Having a plan B simply means having a backup plan.
He who fails to plan is planning to fail. ~ Winston Churchill
Planning never stops. Right from our birth, our parents planned to get baby clothes before the due date of delivery. Some of them knew the schools we would attend while we were in our mother’s womb.
During high school days, we had colleges in mind that we would submit our applications. After college, we mapped out the way we wanted our career trajectory to go in the workplace.
The list is endless. Planning occurs in all areas of life. What makes a plan perfect? Does having numerous plans cushion the effect if one fails? Or should we put all our eggs in one basket and hope it doesn’t fall off our hands?
That’s why having a plan B, C or all the letters of the alphabet is important because life happens. And you don’t want to be left hanging dry when it does.
This article tells you awesome reasons why you need to have a plan B to scale through in the trajectory of your personal or professional life.
Why You Need a Plan B
1. More Options
Having more options to choose from when planning is great. This is because having only one plan is synonymous with taking only one dish at a buffet service. Also, most persons are emotionally connected to their plan A which makes them hesitant to have a plan B.
Having a plan B reduces that emotional tie and opens your mind to consider all views thereby creating more options.
2. Boosts Your Confidence
Confidence is an important ingredient in smashing that goal and having a plan B increases your confidence. Just like a firm foundation is needed for any building to stand, having a plan B is the foundation you need in case things go south.
3. Prepare for the Unknown
The world is full of ups and downs. You might not get admitted into your dream college. You might not get the scholarship you applied for. The direction of your life can change in the twinkle of an eye.
That is why you need a plan B. You get a soft landing and don’t get discouraged when your plans don’t fall through. It saves you from wallowing in self-pity.
4. Stability of Mind
Having a plan B gives you stability of mind. The stress and anxiety you would have encountered from having all your eggs in one basket is reduced.
Furthermore, you have this assurance of jumping to your next plan if you don’t get your desired results.
5. Helps You to Make Effective Decisions
Decision-making is a continuous process in the life of any adult and making effective decisions is a must to succeed in life. Having a plan B helps you to properly scrutinise your plans after the initial emotional high has dwindled.
Here, your mind becomes sharper, encouraging critical thinking. Also, you consider different views while going through the decision-making process repeatedly.
6. The Ideal Environment for Growth and Learning
Growth and learning never occur in your comfort zone (Plan A). This doesn’t mean that all plan As are whack but your inner creativity is further unleashed when you have to bring forth more ideas.
You are also able to strategise, learn new skills and adapt to change when you have a plan B.
7. Develop Resilience
Making decisions is not for the faint-hearted and having a plan B helps you to develop resilience, strengthening your mind and spirit for the tasks ahead when you have to change course.
8. Adaptability
Having a plan B provides flexibility in achieving your goals by keeping you open to different options. It allows you to change course, review strategies and see your plans from a wider lens.
Being adaptable is a mind game and having numerous plans takes you one step closer to adapting to any situation.
Conclusion
Having a plan B is like an experienced swimmer carrying a life jacket on a boat cruise. Not forgetting that a plan B helps us to develop resilience, be adaptable, make effective decisions and boost our confidence. All these are necessary ingredients to excel in this journey called life.
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Researched by Adejoke Toye
