There’s something uniquely exhilarating about the scent of a new possibility in the air. Like when increment season is just around the corner. Suddenly, your brain transforms into a high-definition movie studio. “What if it’s 10% this time?” you whisper to yourself, and boom! – The mental reels start spinning.
That old phone, which was perfectly fine yesterday, now feels ancient. Time for an upgrade, obviously. The car, that trusted companion from just three years ago, suddenly looks… quaint. Ah, a newer model, definitely. And just like that, you’re knee-deep in online reviews, watching YouTube walkthroughs of that shiny new sedan you’ve somehow already decided on.
You’re already there, aren’t you? Imagining the Instagram reel of that new car, cruising up to the mountains with friends and family. The chai stop on the highway, the exact outfit you’ll wear for the trip. It’s all so vivid, so wonderfully planned, a perfect sandcastle in mid-air. All sparked by a “what if” that hasn’t even landed yet. This, my friend, is your Plan A, fully formed, meticulously detailed, and frankly, quite exciting. (And no, I’m not here to preach about increasing investments; that’s a different post for a different day. We all deserve a bit of fun, right?)
Now, here’s the kicker. While your brain is busy customising that hypothetical future, we often forget the other side of the coin. The less glamorous, but arguably more crucial, Plan B.
What if the increment isn’t what you expected? What if there’s no increment at all? Or perhaps, what if that existing phone, which suddenly feels dated, just needs a good clean? A new phone cover, maybe, and suddenly it feels fresh in your hands. Or your car – maybe it just needs a proper service, a good wash, and it’ll be gleaming like new again. Have you thought about that?
It’s easy to get swept away by the allure of Plan A, because it’s tied to hope and aspiration. Our brain will conjure up a Plan A faster than you can swipe to the next reel. But a robust Plan B, thought out in advance, is your safety net. It’s your quiet reassurance in a world that rarely follows a script.
So, here’s a thought:
Always, always have your Plan B clearly etched out, perhaps even on a big, bold sheet of paper.
Because while Plan A is tempting and exciting, it’s also highly susceptible to the whims of reality. If the outcome isn’t what you predicted, having a well-considered Plan B prevents panic and ensures you’re still moving forward, not just staring at the ruins of your sandcastle. And who knows, if things turn out better than expected, having both plans ready still keeps you grounded from making even bigger, impulsive leaps!
Always Plan B, then Plan A, my friend. In that very order.
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