Plan B (to do it or not)
So what do you do if it doesn’t work out?
When you have stated an ambitious goal to someone who is well-meaning, but intimidated by your commitment, you may have heard this question.
The experts on success seem at odds with the concept of Plan B. In some books I’ve read, Plan B distracts from Plan A. Others still are strong supporters of multiple plans.
Since it is a new year and you have thought of the goals you want to achieve for the next 365 days, it’s worth taking a look at Plan B
Let’s straighten this out.
Traditional View of Plan B:
Plan A for John Doe is to get into film as an actor in Hollywood, yet culinary school is a great Plan B in case that doesn’t work out.
From this perspective, Plan B may yet detract energy that could be put into achieving Plan A.
When Plan B comes up in a debate, it creates a battle between the risk averse who see large mountains to overcome, and the risk takers who will climb those mountains with or without the supplies they might need.
Plan B redefined:
John Doe IS going to get into film as an actor in Hollywood. Plan A is to show up at auditions, enlist the help of agents and build a healthy portfolio. Plan B is to do commercials and network with independent film producers to build a fanbase and generate enough buzz to get consideration for those roles on the silver screen.
What is the difference between the first Plan B and the second Plan B?
The first Plan B detracts energy from your mind that you could use to further Plan A.
The second Plan B doesn’t compromise your life goals. Plan B 2.0 causes you to think of multiple roads to get to the same destination, all of which would move you closer to the result you want. With this type of plan B, you don’t put your emotional eggs in one basket. Your plans weave together to form a tight cord that connects you to your goals.
Best of all, the knowledge that you’ve got several ways to make it will give you more confidence to succeed in Plan A, and all worthwhile commitments benefit from confidence.
With this thought in mind, having a plan C, D, and E, even if you never use most of them, will make your mind sharper, give you better confidence, and enable you to move forward with your ideas.
