Leadership Lesson 40: Forget Plan B   

If you’re already planning your exit, you’re not fully in. A backup plan might seem wise - but it often becomes the very reason we fall short. When you leave the back door open, your commitment slips. True success demands a single focus, not divided attention. So next time you chase a big goal, cut the safety net. Burn the escape route. Lean all the way in. Because when Plan A is your only option, you’ll fight like your future depends on it.
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An illustration of a person walking down a one-way road with a sign that says "No U-Turns" and "No Exits."

Traditional wisdom tells us always to have a Plan B, a safety net to catch us if we fall. But what if I told you that having a backup plan could be the very reason why so many ventures fail?

When you embark on a new endeavor with an escape route already mapped out in your mind, you inadvertently divert energy and focus away from your primary goal. By constantly contemplating an exit strategy, you’re subconsciously giving yourself permission to fail. It’s like setting out on a journey with one foot already turned back.

Now, I’m not advocating for reckless behavior, jumping headfirst without thinking: it’s essential to weigh the risks and plan accordingly. But I firmly believe in the power of committing fully to a singular course of action. When the stakes are high and challenges abound, cutting all safety nets can be the catalyst for unparalleled determination and innovation, and the single most important difference between success and failure.

Imagine a scenario where you meet every challenge head-on and overcome every obstacle with unwavering resolve. By eliminating the option of retreat, you force yourself to confront difficulties creatively and find solutions where none seemed possible. It’s about embracing discomfort and uncertainty, knowing that the only path is forward. And while the road may be fraught with setbacks, and failure may be a possibility, by choosing to forego Plan B, you position yourself to fall forward, to learn and grow with each stumble. And if you really fall, at least you’ll see what you’re gonna hit!

So, the next time you’re faced with a daunting challenge, forget Plan B: cut all safety nets, close all emergency exits, and embrace the journey with unwavering determination, knowing that true success builds on committing wholeheartedly to the path ahead.

Stephan Stauffer

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