If The Plan Doesn’t Work, Change The Plan, Not The Goal

“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal,” emphasizes the importance of flexibility in achieving ones dreams and goals. It suggests that while setbacks are natural, the key is to stay committed to your end goal while adjusting your approach when necessary.

To apply this mindset, first define your goal clearly, and then regularly assess your strategy. If results falter, identify what isn’t working and tweak your methods rather than abandoning your ambition.

This persistence, coupled with strategic adjustments, is essential for reaching long-term success.

Creating a Strategy:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Be specific about your objective, whether it’s growing a business, reaching a personal milestone, or pursuing a dream. A vague goal won’t provide clear direction.
2. Evaluate Progress Regularly: Periodically review how far you’ve come and what obstacles you’ve faced. This helps in identifying what is and isn’t working in your current plan.
3. Adjust, Don’t Abandon: If you hit a roadblock, it’s not a sign to give up. It’s an opportunity to adapt. Brainstorm alternative strategies, tools, or resources to overcome the issue.
4. Seek Mentorship and Resources: Look to those who have succeeded in your field. Learning from others’ experiences can give you fresh perspectives and techniques you may not have considered.
5. Stay Persistent: Success often requires resilience. Even with revised plans, progress might be slow. Keep the bigger picture in mind and maintain focus on your goal.

Don’t Let Your Past Dictate Your Future

Write Down Your Goals

One of the biggest goal setting actions I learned from a past mentor, was to write all of my goals down on paper as though they have already been accomplished.

And put a specific date the goal is to be accomplished by.

Here’s an example of how to write goals as if they’ve already been accomplished:

1. Financial Goal:
   “I am earning $10,000 a month in passive income from my online business by December 31st, 2025, and my savings account has grown to $50,000.”
2. Health Goal:
   “I weigh 150 pounds and feel strong, healthy, and full of energy every day.”
3. Career Goal:
   “I have successfully launched my digital marketing agency, with a team of 5 skilled employees, and we serve 10 regular clients.”
4. Personal Development Goal:
   “I read 2 books per month on personal growth and leadership, and I apply what I learn to improve my life and business.”
5. Relationship Goal:
   “I spend quality time with my family every evening, and we enjoy regular weekend outings together.”

Writing your goals in the present tense as though they are already achieved helps reinforce a positive mindset and visualization, making them feel more attainable.

There is something magical that happens when you put thought to paper, and then reinforce your goals by taking action to achieve them.

A study done in Dominican University of California, by a psychology professor, Gail Matthews concluded that, you are 42% more likely to achieve goals you have wrote down.

It is also just as important to read your goals first thing everyday and at night before bed, keep them in front of you so you have immediate access to them.

And once you have written goals, it will be clearer the set of actions you need to take to hit your goals, and to adjust the actions you need to take without changing your goals.

Remember change the plan when needed, not the goal..

Create An Action Plan To Achieve Your Goals

Now that you have very specific goals, you need an action plan to reach them.

What is your plan, what do you need to do everyday so that you hit your goals by the deadlines you have set.

Be very specific and write your action plan down with your goals.

Read your action plan first thing everyday and before bed as well, this will keep you hyper focused, and a clear vision of what you must do everyday.

As you are reviewing your goals and action plan everyday, you will see as you get closer to the goal date whether you are making enough progress to hit your goals by the date you set.

If you are way off course from hitting your goals by your deadlines, this is when you will need to adjust your plan and or the goal date.

Your ultimate goal remains the same, you are just changing your action plan, deadline or both.

Goals without an action plan are just fantasy.

The Procrastination Cure – 10 Steps to Break Your Bad Habits

How To Apply This Mindset To All Aspects Of Your Life

This thought process “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal” can be applied across all aspects of your life and be put into motion with actionable steps.

Here are some example situations you may experience, along with in-depth action steps to help you adapt and succeed:

1. Career

Situation: You’re not advancing in your current role or industry.

Action Steps:

• Reevaluate your skills: Identify gaps and pursue training or certifications.
• Network: Connect with industry professionals and mentors for guidance.
• Pivot roles: Explore lateral moves within your company or a related industry.
• Set new milestones: Break larger career goals into smaller, actionable steps.
• Be a team player: And a positive role model for others.

2. Business

Situation: Your current business strategy isn’t yielding enough profits.

Action Steps:

• Analyze customer feedback: Identify unmet needs or product adjustments.
• Adjust marketing: Test different marketing channels like social media, SEO, or email.
• Diversify offerings: Add new products or services based on market demand.
• Review finances: Streamline expenses and optimize cash flow management.
• Look at what is working well: And do more of it. Sometimes the obvious is overlooked.

15 Businesses To Start That Almost Never Fail

3. Marriage

Situation: Ongoing conflicts or disconnection with your partner.

Action Steps:

• Communicate: Have open conversations about each other’s needs and feelings.
• Seek professional help: Counseling can offer tools to resolve recurring issues.
• Set relationship goals: Prioritize spending time together and growing as a couple.
• Adjust habits: Revisit patterns of behavior that cause tension and work to change them.

4. Children

Situation: Parenting strategies aren’t working, resulting in behavioral issues.

Action Steps:

• Adapt your approach: Consider different parenting styles (positive discipline, rewards systems).
• Set clear expectations: Explain boundaries and consequences for behavior.
• Seek professional advice: A child psychologist or counselor can provide insights.
• Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where your child feels safe to express their feelings.
• Become a good listener: Don’t just hear what your children say, actually listen with a caring attitude.

5. Losing Weight

Situation: Your diet and exercise routine aren’t delivering results.

Action Steps:

• Switch up your exercise: Try new routines or consult a personal trainer.
• Rethink your diet: Consult a nutritionist to tailor a meal plan to your needs.
• Track progress: Use apps to monitor calories, activities, and progress.
• Stay consistent: Focus on sustainable, long-term habits rather than crash diets.

6. Improving Health

Situation: You’re not seeing improvements in your overall well-being.

Action Steps:

• Address stress: Incorporate meditation, yoga, or hobbies into your daily routine.
• Revisit sleep patterns: Improve sleep quality by setting a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed.
• Consult a healthcare provider: Get regular checkups to monitor your health.
• Set realistic goals: Focus on incremental improvements, such as daily steps or water intake.

7. Building Wealth

Situation: Your savings or investment strategy isn’t growing your wealth.

Action Steps:

• Explore new investments strategies: Diversify into stocks, real estate, or mutual funds.
• Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to your investment or savings accounts.
• Cut unnecessary expenses: Reevaluate monthly bills and discretionary spending.
• Seek professional advice: Consult a financial planner for personalized guidance.

How To Use Leverage In Your Life To Get Rich

8. Getting Out of Debt

Situation: Your current debt repayment plan isn’t reducing your debt quickly enough.

Action Steps:

• Refinance loans: Negotiate better interest rates or consolidate your debts.
• Start a side hustle: To increase your income to use toward debt payoff.
• Increase payments: Direct extra income or bonuses toward debt repayment.
• Use the snowball method: Pay off smaller debts first to build momentum.
• Track spending: Monitor expenses to save more money and avoid unnecessary purchases.

How To Get Out Of Debt Fast In 8 Steps

9. Creating a Positive Mindset

Situation: You’re struggling with negative thoughts or low motivation.

Action Steps:

• Practice gratitude: Keep a journal to focus on positive aspects of your life.
• Change your environment: Surround yourself with supportive, uplifting people.
• Reframe negative thoughts: Shift from “I can’t” to “I can learn.”
• Seek self-development: Read motivational books, take courses, or listen to podcasts.

Whatever Your Mind Can Conceive And Believe, You Can Achieve

In all of these life scenarios, the key is flexibility. When the current plan fails, don’t abandon your ultimate goal—just tweak your approach until you find what works.

Why This Mindset Leads to Success:

This mindset encourages continuous learning and adaptability, both crucial for long-term success.

By staying committed to the goal but open to changing plans, you can overcome challenges, develop new skills, and ultimately achieve your desired outcome without feeling defeated by initial setbacks.

We really hope this article on “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal,” has been extremely helpful to you.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section below or just say hello.

Sincerely,
Your Friends And Partners
Richard And John Weberg

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