Miscommunication happens. Life happens. Things almost never go according to plan. My boss has lists to make lists. I mean really. You can’t plan it that way. You’re setting yourself up for failure. But does that mean to live fast and loose?

No. Be flexible but know the direction you are going.
How does communication and planning have to do with each other and with writing? I’ll tell you. It’s all in theo give and take. If your communication or your style is rigid, it’s less a dialog than it is a monologue. Pick up on your cues from the other participants. Think about their perspective when you’re formulating your response. Ok. Simple enough, eh? So you have a plan then for conversation. Communique 101.

Now on to planning. Making a list, a plan; setting goals. All of this is a smart thing to do. *emphasis on SMART hint hint* But you know, some plans have to be bendable. Dont’ fall into a trap and make them all movable so much so that they don’t get accomplished. Otherwise, what’s the point in setting them as a goal? A small, simple, easy to reach list or a convoluted Long year (or 4 month plan) can all be appropriate based on your needs.
But don’t sweat the small stuff. Come on. We each are usually our own harshest critics. I know I am. I beat myself up often when I can’t meet a certain goal. Then I put it off, feeling down and poopy because ‘is the end game really worth this?’

Yes.
This is how I want to approach writing. I need to respect the give and take which comes with creating anything. Novels are far from the exception. So when life happens and my writing time doesn’t happen like I want it to, I do what? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.
Da Spouse thinks the order should be Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Same difference to me. Or is it.

A majority of my writing is Improvise. So when it doesn’t work, I adapt. And I am going to overcome. I have actually overcome much. And very very soon. (fast drafting next week.)

How do you IAD?