1 | The Gap Between Plan A and Plan B

Plan A is what you're pursuing now.

Plan B is what you'd pursue if couldn't pursue Plan A.

The bigger the gap between Plan A and Plan B (and I'm not just talking about money!), the greater the chance of disappointment and the more fragile Plan A becomes.

When you're looking for a new home, the moment there isn't a Plan B is the moment you've lost all bargaining power and invited a disappointing outcome to the party.

When you're negotiating income, the moment there isn't a Plan B is the moment your boss tells you what your new income will be.

When you're taking kids out for dessert and Plan A is closed, I hope you have a Plan B.

Plan B is not a synonym for paranoia or worst-case scenario.

Plan B ensures you know the alternative and next steps if needed, but Plan B also strengthens and stabilizes Plan A.

Exploring and defining Plan B can also breathe new life and purpose into Plan A.

Seth Godin has said, "Power might be in the form of money, access to plenty of lawyers, or simply a willingness to burn it all down to the ground."

It's easy to skip over that third option, because the first two seem so obvious.

"Burning it all down to the ground" seems a bit intense, but being willing to walk away, pivot, start over, or try again is a choice that’s available all the time.

What's your Plan B?