The Stoics tell us that without a plan, we are unable to make clear decisions and know whether we should say yes or no to an action. The Stoics call this oiesis or false conceptions.
Seneca writes, “Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It’s not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.” [On Tranquility of Mind, 12.5]
Other examples of this are from Robert Greene in his book, “The 48 Laws of Power” or Steven Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.