Do You Need a Plan B? Part 1

You usually have a pretty good Plan A.

But do things always go the way you plan?

Or does your day get completely out of hand?

 Our goals, our to-do lists, even our visions and mapped out paths are more often than not in danger of surprises.

As you became an adult, did you know you would end up where you are right now, with what you have right now, and with whom you are right now?

Most of us are, if not surprised, a bit in awe of the path our life has taken.

As author Hugh Prather said,

Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes.

We need to be prepared to deal with the changes in life.

Having a Plan B for “BRIDGE OUT” situations is for when we plan something, get to a certain point and realize that the bridge on the map of our path is out. Actually a Plan C isn’t a bad plan either. Why? Because “stuff” happens!

Life does not always go according to our best laid plans, and many a time the twists and turns of life are very unpredictable, resulting in our Plan A not materializing according to our desires. That is why every good strategist has a contingency plan, i.e. a Plan B.

The Plan B is what will be done if the risks that are attached to plan A happen.

For example: regarding WORK

The days of working an entire career for the same employer or even in the same industry are gone. Statistics show that a person graduating from college today will work for twelve different employers in five different industries over the course of their career.

I went from teaching, job placement counselor, bookstore owner, chocolate store owner, alternative high school administrative assistant, Realtor, writer, mentor…to semi-retired so far in my lifetime. And only sometimes was it due to my Plan A!

 For example: regarding RELATIONSHIPS

I remember when I realized that my previous marriage wasn’t working. It took some time to figure out my Plan B. It was no longer about giving up; it was about making smart choices and planning for the future for myself and my children.

My goal in the marriage had been happiness for us: peace and safety in body, mind and home. So Plan B was not to lead away from these goals but just a different path to these goals.

We never know what’s going to happen next.  Anything could happen.

Viewing your life through the lens of “what if” can be just the motivation and perspective shift you need to make changes that will make you happier. This is about all areas in your life: money, relationships, creativity, inspirations, health.

Having an “If this, then that” plan allows for the inevitable changes that life brings. And if you have a good Plan B in your head, your anxiety about Plan A will subside, or even disappear, to be replaced by a growing acceptance, even anticipation, for whatever comes.

In this Part 1 blog discussion, I want to know if Plan B’s make  sense?

Are they important?

Next week, in Part 2 I’ll look to see if there are more disadvantages than advantages to time.

(I well remember my college debate days when we were taught to argue both/either side of the question and be convincing no matter what we actually believed!)

Let me know what you think. I’m still debating!

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