You Better Plan On It Podcast!

Greg "Mac" McLean

From the time I was in my early teens until the present, I have learned that having an effective daily plan is critical to life, and that you can never separate the two (Effective Daily Plans = Positive Daily Living / Positive Daily Living = Effective Daily Plans). The goal here is to teach anyone who needs it to understand the nuances and importance of operating from an effective daily plan, and for you to share the content with others who may need it.  So, whether we prepare to start our day or end our day it is vital that having an effective daily plan can ultimately determine our positive outcomes outweighing our negative ones, versus the other way around. I mean, let's face it, over the years we have become a much more reactive society (waiting for things to unfold before responding) vice a proactive society (ready before something happens) which has led to many negative, life-altering outcomes within our homes, our communities, our schools and our workplaces.  From me to you, we simply must lean ahead in our daily lives and focus on implementing and executing pure and meaningful plans that allow us to attack each day with, peace of mind, happiness and zeal. At the end of the day, life is simply too short to waste time on harboring negative daily thoughts because you decided to operate from a less than effective daily plan, so always remember, "You Better Plan On It," because when you least expect it then something will happen!      

  1. 1D AGO

    A Truthful Lie

    Having an effective plan in life-threatening situations can be critical to the lives of others. So, when it is said that, "what goes on in another man's home is not anyone else's business," well, I simply call this a truthful lie. In truth, your home is supposed to be your business and no one else's. However, it is also a lie because if there is ever a situation in which you know, hear about or suspect that your family member, neighbor or friend is being abused in their home then this is where your business is no longer just your business.  The bottom line is that I believe most people are more than ok with what you do inside your home being only your business. However, when you cross a line inside the home that puts others in danger then it becomes other people's business. Case in point, a couple of weeks ago the former Lt. Governor of Virginia murdered his wife and then himself inside their home. Their 2 teenaged children were in the home at the time and called 911 but were not harmed. Those kids no longer have their parents as a result of the double suicide/homicide. Now, I believe in my heart that someone in that community, whether a family member, neighbor or friend knew that there were significant issues in the family. However, I cannot confirm whether anyone personally checked in on them or called for a wellness check at any point and time. I also cannot confirm if there are those within the family or community who are now saying they wish they would have done something sooner. In any case, knowing of a truth such as this particular topic (A Truthful Lie) is quite interesting because it can quickly default into a lie when one turns the confines of his or her home into a level of chaos that becomes other peoples' business. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    18 min
  2. APR 28

    ?Your Race-Your Fault_My Race-My Fault?

    Here in America, we continue to experience racism because of being a particular race and one's skin color. It is truly amazing that our country still has this issue to date and it doesn't appear that we will ever see it entirely go away, at least not in this lifetime.  I know how this works because I have lived and experienced racism many times as an African American male. From my early years as a young black kid, to my years as a United States Marine, and on to my later years now as an everyday American citizen living here in the United States, racism has followed me throughout my life. However, I have been blessed enough to recognize those situations time and time again and remove myself far away from many potential dangers.  From me to you, I absolutely do not ever look at my race as the only one that experiences racism. I do, however, understand that my race does experience racism at a far greater clip than most, if not all other races based on past and current history. Nonetheless, please do yourselves a big favor...Always sit down and make an effective daily travel plan before you go anywhere, especially when it involves distant locations. Plan an exact route, to include locations for rest, food and fuel stops. Also, Google the environment and the type of people within that local area. I do not expect anyone to be overly paranoid, but rather remain vigilant at all times because you never know when you may wind up in an area or location that you are not welcomed. Trust me, you will know whether you are welcomed when you arrive at a location just by the body language of the locals, so be alert and as attentive as possible at all times! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    20 min
  3. APR 21

    The Weight of Death

    I believe the "Weight of Death" is for real. The reason I believe this statement is because the loss of someone that you love and miss dearly can outweigh the loss of others that you love and miss dearly. For instance, I lost my  amazing Uncle Freddie Foster and my dear cousin Terry Carpenter within the last week who are actually blood relatives that I've known since childhood. On the other end, I just lost one of my greatest friends and Marine Corps Brothers, MGySgt William "Billy" Cotton. What's interesting is that his death weighs much more heavily on me than my uncle and my cousin's deaths. In any case, I am not exactly sure why such is the case and would appreciate anyone out there who can explain why I am having this experience.  I mean, Billy and I go back 27 years of knowing each other and simply share an elite-level brotherhood that goes far beyond just a great friendship. For whatever the reason, I have yet to process his loss nor can I shake the weight of his loss. I know I will do so in due time, but it is so difficult at the moment and I need an answer. I know my prayers about why I feel this way will be answered from Above but I would also love anyone's feedback who may have been through this and understand how to explain it to me. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    16 min
  4. APR 14

    Military Deployments & Homefront Responsibilities

    This episode focuses on military deployments regarding young first and second term military service members. What I learned not only early in my career, but later in my career and today as a Retired Marine, young service members often depart for deployment with important tasks left incomplete on the homefront. They simply focus intensely on unit responsibilities and making sure they display standout performances toward leadership. However, because of such intense focus on unit responsibilities, important homefront tasks get placed on the backburner and then crammed and jammed together at the last minute to get them done. Trust me, my first deployment involved me having to go to my squad leader and ask for a day off because I failed to complete a couple of important tasks involving financial matters. I knew and expected to be chewed out but I was fortunate that I was given the time off to complete my affairs.  Well, just recently, I listened to several Airmen at Nellis AFB speak about homefront tasks they needed to complete prior to departing for deployment. What was interesting is that they all talked more about unit priorities over family priorities and being a little behind on family matters. I can assure you that unit priorities are going to get done no matter what, so the need to focus on them so intensely is not as concerning because leadership will drive mission accomplishment period. Let's us as leaders, whether in-service or retired teach our young Warriors how to effect family priorities before deployment. We can do this by ensuring our young service members have a detailed daily homefront checklist put together and immediate execution of the checklist started within 24 hours of learning that the unit is going on deployment on this projected date. I understand that not every home operates the same, so the checklist should be dedicated to each respective household and completed in a step-by-step fashion. At the end of the day, ensuring our young service men and women and their families are prepared for deployment is critical and leave no doubt that their respective homefront is left safe and secure prior to deployment!     Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    19 min
  5. APR 7

    Underaged Kids discussing Race

    This episode discusses a unique conversation between two male best friends, a black kid and a white kid between the ages of 10-12. What makes the conversation so unique is that it involves race and ethnicity. The kids apparently have overheard multiple conversations by adults and older kids and thought that they should figure out how they should be perceived: for the black kid, Black or African American and for the white kid, White or Caucasian.   Imagine, kids this young trying to identify how they should be perceived by others. The black kid asks the white kid, hey, with all the talks we have heard from adults in our families and from older kids, "Should I refer to you as White or Caucasian?" As for me, "Should I be referred to as Black or African American?" The white kid, however, appeared to view being called Caucasian as a word that places him above his best friend and others not like him. On the other end, the black kid viewed the word African American as a word that sounds professional. The black kids further believes that he and his best friend are going one day be excellent professionals in whatever careers they choose. With such as the case, he strongly feels that they both should want to be called African American and Caucasian because those words represent being professional and will identify to others who they are now and in the future. I can only imagine as the conversation continued, the two agreed that African American and Caucasian is who they are from now on, and, I can only hope that their parents and other adults in their families have heard about their conversation and discussed it with them as individuals.  At the end of the day, young kids feed off of the conversations they hear from adults and older kids, so always be cognizant of what you say around them. Case in point, you have these two bright young kids believing that they already need to figure out their identity in terms of their respective ethnicities and why being referred to as African American and Caucasian is important to their lives right now and once they become professionals in their respective careers.   Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    12 min
  6. MAR 24

    All-Hands-On-Deck Suicide Prevention Challenge

    This episode focuses on suicide and the major challenge it presents to everyone when we know, know of or hear about someone who has attempted suicide or openly talked about it. We as individuals and as people need to take a closer look at our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc., and immediately take action if we find ourselves in such a situation. First, develop a plan either individually or with others to mitigate the issue as quickly as possible. For example, you can do this by taking these 5 critical steps, more specifically with someone you know well: ASK: Tap into the thoughts of the individual by compassionately asking them if they are ok or if they need help with anything. Tell him/her that you noticed that the individual seems a bit off as of late and you want to help. As you pull more from the individual, then focus on asking, “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. I have learned that studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.Listen people, suicide is never to be taken lightly, so get involved as much as you possible can and always ensure that the individual knows that you love him/her and you will always be there! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    17 min
  7. MAR 17

    Take a Look in the Mirror Challenge

    This episode discusses the importance of giving from those of us who are blessed and have to give to those who are deeply in need. Whether young or old, so many people are out there are poor,  homeless and starving while many of us live very blessed, comfortable lives and never or very seldomly take the opportunity to help the ones in need, especially when we see or witness it in person! Well, for those of us who act out of selfishness, greed and simply refuse to help others in need, know that God is watching and when you least expect it, He will subtract from you and that's a promise! The Challenge (self-assessment): I challenge you to plan a private time and individually take a couple of minutes and look into a mirror. While the lights are on, ask yourself several questions... 1. Am I blessed enough to help others in need? 2. Am I a giver or a receiver? 3. Am I a giver or a taker? Next, turn the lights off for approx. 30 seconds and think about the questions. Flip the switch back on, look at your facial expression and then answer the questions. Repeat the same process 1-2 more times and honestly assess who you are when it comes to the questions. If you depart the challenge with a negative response to any one of the questions, then please take a hard look at yourself, take the time to put the matter into prayer and do what is needed to correct the negative. Also, share this challenge with your families and others you know so that they might share their thoughts and feelings in return!      Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST: YouTube Channel: @GregMact5v Apple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans) Spotify Podcast Index iHeartRadio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Player FM Facebook LinkedIn X

    19 min

About

From the time I was in my early teens until the present, I have learned that having an effective daily plan is critical to life, and that you can never separate the two (Effective Daily Plans = Positive Daily Living / Positive Daily Living = Effective Daily Plans). The goal here is to teach anyone who needs it to understand the nuances and importance of operating from an effective daily plan, and for you to share the content with others who may need it.  So, whether we prepare to start our day or end our day it is vital that having an effective daily plan can ultimately determine our positive outcomes outweighing our negative ones, versus the other way around. I mean, let's face it, over the years we have become a much more reactive society (waiting for things to unfold before responding) vice a proactive society (ready before something happens) which has led to many negative, life-altering outcomes within our homes, our communities, our schools and our workplaces.  From me to you, we simply must lean ahead in our daily lives and focus on implementing and executing pure and meaningful plans that allow us to attack each day with, peace of mind, happiness and zeal. At the end of the day, life is simply too short to waste time on harboring negative daily thoughts because you decided to operate from a less than effective daily plan, so always remember, "You Better Plan On It," because when you least expect it then something will happen!