Planning for the future
Some people think that enjoying the present is more important than planning for the future for both countries and individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some would argue that enjoying present moments is superior to planning for the future. However, this contention is flawed because a future-focused mindset, in my opinion, is the optimal strategy for growth for both countries and individuals.
On a national level, planning for the future is usually what propels a country forward. The rare exceptions to this would be countries that are experiencing prolonged wars or turmoil. While citizens in these countries might celebrate temporary periods of peace, a progressive mindset that focuses on rebuilding for the future would likely be a better long-term solution. Throughout history, the world has seen significant developments in areas such as technology, medicine, education, and recreation. If history is any indication, only by having a growth mindset will a country avoid falling behind economically, becoming stagnant, and descending into instability.
Similarly, planning for future uncertainties is beneficial for sustainable personal growth. Early successes might suppress one’s drive to maintain excellence and lead to indulging in immediate gratifications. On the other hand, those who leave present achievements behind, carefully plan for future risks, devise appropriate strategies to handle future challenges, and are committed to navigating unknown variables stand a better chance of continuing their successes. If someone is indifferent to what the future holds, they are more likely to fall prey to uncertain future scenarios and may have to suffer the consequences of their ignorance.
In conclusion, planning for the future is more important than living in the present for both countries and individuals since simply enjoying the present does not equate to progress. Better planning can help eliminate future uncertainties for both policymakers and members of the general public.
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] Some would argue that enjoying present moments is superior to planning for the future. [2] However, this contention is flawed because a future-focused mindset, in my opinion, is the optimal strategy for growth for both countries and individuals.
1. Paraphrase the topic, introduce the main idea
2. A clear opinion stating my personal perspective
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] On a national level, planning for the future is usually what propels a country forward. [2] The rare exceptions to this would be countries that are experiencing prolonged wars or turmoil. [3] While citizens in these countries might celebrate temporary periods of peace, a progressive mindset that focuses on rebuilding for the future would likely be a better long-term solution. [4] Throughout history, the world has seen significant developments in areas such as technology, medicine, education, and recreation. [5] If history is any indication, only by having a growth mindset will a country avoid falling behind economically, becoming stagnant, and descending into instability.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea – countries benefit from planning for the future
2. Provide explanation and examples
3. Provide a further explanation
4. Keep developing my argument for nations
5. A hypothetical clause to fully develop my argument
Paragraph 2
[1] Similarly, planning for future uncertainties is beneficial for sustainable personal growth. [2] Early successes might suppress one’s drive to maintain excellence and lead to indulging in immediate gratifications. [3] On the other hand, those who leave present achievements behind, carefully plan for future risks, devise appropriate strategies to handle future challenges, and are committed to navigating unknown variables stand a better chance of continuing their successes. [4] If someone is indifferent to what the future holds, they are more likely to fall prey to uncertain future scenarios and may have to suffer the consequences of their ignorance.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea – individuals benefit from future planning
2. Provide an explanation to support the main idea
3. Provide a further explanation
4. Keep developing my argument by giving a comparison with those who are indifferent to future planning
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, planning for the future is more important than living in the present for both countries and individuals since simply enjoying the present does not equate to progress. [2] Better planning can help eliminate future uncertainties for both policymakers and members of the general public.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought
Vocabulary
Some would argue that enjoying present moments is superior to planning for the future. However, this contention is flawed because a future-focused mindset, in my opinion, is the optimal strategy for growth for both countries and individuals.
On a national level, planning for the future is usually what propels a country forward. The rare exceptions to this would be countries that are experiencing prolonged wars or turmoil. While citizens in these countries might celebrate temporary periods of peace, a progressive mindset that focuses on rebuilding for the future would likely be a better long-term solution. Throughout history, the world has seen significant developments in areas such as technology, medicine, education, and recreation. If history is any indication, only by having a growth mindset will a country avoid falling behind economically, becoming stagnant, and descending into instability.
Similarly, planning for future uncertainties is beneficial for sustainable personal growth. Early successes might suppress one’s drive to maintain excellence and lead to indulging in immediate gratifications. On the other hand, those who leave present achievements behind, carefully plan for future risks, devise appropriate strategies to handle future challenges, and are committed to navigating unknown variables stand a better chance of continuing their successes. If someone is indifferent to what the future holds, they are more likely to fall prey to uncertain future scenarios and may have to suffer the consequences of their ignorance.
In conclusion, planning for the future is more important than living in the present for both countries and individuals since simply enjoying the present does not equate to progress. Better planning can help eliminate future uncertainties for both policymakers and members of the general public.
Vocabulary:
- enjoy present moments: to spend time enjoying the current time, rather than thinking about the future or the past.
- plan for the future: to make arrangements or arrangements in advance, usually for a specific purpose or event in the future.
- future-focused mindset: a way of thinking that is centered on the future and plans for it, rather than the present or the past.
- propel a country forward: to help a country progress or develop.
- prolonged wars: a conflict that lasts for a long time.
- progressive mindset: a way of thinking that is forward-thinking and focused on improvement and advancement.
- fall behind economically: to become less successful or prosperous than others, especially in terms of economic growth.
- become stagnant: to stop making progress or developing.
- descend into instability: to become less stable or secure.
- suppress one’s drive: to control or stop one’s desire or motivation.
- indulge in immediate gratifications: to take pleasure in something immediately, rather than thinking about the long-term consequences.
- navigate unknown variables: to find a way through or around something that is unknown or uncertain.
- fall prey to: to be easily deceived or harmed by someone or something.
- eliminate future uncertainties: to remove or reduce the uncertainty or unpredictability of the future.
Grammar Gems:
COMPARATIVE STRUCTURE
“On a national level, planning for the future is usually what propels a country forward. The rare exceptions to this would be countries that are experiencing prolonged wars or turmoil.”
This sentence uses the comparative structure “usually…rare exceptions” to present the idea that in general, planning for the future is what drives a country forward, but there are a few cases where this is not the case. The phrase “prolonged wars or turmoil” is an example of the exceptions.
Reading
Further reading about this topic can be found here:
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-For-a-Successful-Future
Listening
Further listening about this topic can be found here: