Plans are useless but planning is good

Imagine this…

You’re about to climb a mountain. You’ve mapped out the route, checked the weather, and packed your gear. Double-checked everything to be sure. You’re confident that your plan is airtight.

But as you start the climb, the trail disappears under fresh snow and the weather shifts. Suddenly, your carefully crafted plan is useless and no longer relevant.

But the planning you did? That’s your lifeline.

Plans often fail because they’re built on assumptions about a future we can’t control. They lock us into a specific path, one that may not exist when we arrive. But planning - that’s a different story.

Planning brings clarity, which fuels confidence. It’s the process that prepares you for the unexpected, and forces you to think critically, consider alternatives, and be ready for whatever comes your way.

As you stand on that snowy mountain, it’s the planning that allows you to adapt. You remember the alternate routes you considered, the extra supplies you packed just in case. You’re not just reacting; you’re ready to pivot with purpose.

So, next time you set out on a new venture, remember this: The plan might not survive first contact with reality, but the act of planning will always serve you well.

It’s not about predicting the future - it’s about preparing yourself to navigate whatever it brings.

What if your greatest strength lies in your ability to adapt, not in the plans you make?