Planning process became more strategic by foreseeing various scenarios and applying premeditated plans like Plan A, Plan B, Plan C etc. This is also aligned with our tendency to have options. Since making decisions is not a rare thing anymore, having ready made decisions makes sense. Plan A, Plan B technically boils down to a set of solutions for “What if” scenarios.
Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential – Winston Churchill (Source : Wickipedia)
People generally do not go beyond Plan C as it is hard to recollect what they are actually planned for. Stopping at Plan C is a good thing.
We may not need Plan A, Plan B for rudimentary or recursive situations. If you miss the bus, Plan B is to walk assuming that you do not have a car. If you run out of hand soap, plan b is to use Dish soap. If you are stuck in traffic, plan B is to pray God. God may not have Plan B to manmade disasters. “You must use your little grey cells, mon ami”.
Plan B is important.
Some people do not believe in Plan B like former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He feels that you won’t completely commit to achieving the goal if you have alternate plans. Having Plan B, dilutes the mission.
For me, having just Plan A is very risky. Especially, when you are making an important plan in your life. That’s very risky. Primary objective of Plan A Plan B is to think through “what if” scenarios and preparing for at least 2 scenarios.
Art of War author Sun Tzu says
“
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Above quote is more suited for warfare. These days, life doesn’t seem any different.
If plans do not go well, it is bad karma. If they go well, you are lucky.
Plan B is equally important as plan A. Both are part of the planning process. You have at least 50% chance of achieving your goal. Not a bad thing.
If you have serious goals, please keep Plan B.
I was talking to a lady who wants to retire in the next 7 years. Very ambitious goal but possible. With stagnant salaries, it’s a daunting task. In this case, if Plan A doesn’t materialize, Plan B is to simply extend the duration by another 7 years. Which is essentially keeping your Plan A alive. Which means try and try until you succeed. I have seen many people keeping their Plan A alive until they succeed.
Giving up Plan A easily is not the goal. Keep Plan A alive in your mind but have Plan B as an option. Life is not a structured mathematical formula. Most of the people may not have plans, but they have dreams.
Plan B is not a compromise. It is part of a Plan. Decisions, choices, options and plans are a part of modern life. It is always good to have Plan B.
