Notes

In the workplace, it's better to be proactive than reactive. This means, if you can see what's coming, you will be much more successful in handling it than if it sneaks up on you. Have you ever had to chase someone? It's harder to chase someone than to be chased. Since you don't know which way this person is going to turn next, you have to react to each movement, leaving you one step behind.
Person with binoculars.

The same is true for planning ahead. If you don't know what's coming up, you will be forced to react to projects and tasks as they come your way. Try to think about the future and prepare yourself for upcoming tasks and project

To anticipate needs means to see a need before it even becomes an issue. This skill is very important in planning ahead, as it allows you to be proactive in your work. As you plan your projects and tasks, think about every angle. Even though no one wants to think about this, problems do come up. That's why it's important to ask yourself, “What could go wrong?” If you anticipate these possible problems, you can prepare for them, and maybe avoid some of them. By anticipating or planning ahead, when a problem does occur, you're ready to handle it.
A chef preparing food for the dinner rush.