Why Plan B Is Useless (And What You Should Really Do Instead)

Have you ever been told that having a Plan B is essential?
For years, I believed it too. That it’s smart to have a backup ready when Plan A doesn’t work out.
But today, I want to share a different perspective: Plan B, as we often think of it, is mostly just an excuse to not fully commit to our main goal.
In fact, Plan B is… useless.

Plan B doesn’t exist: it’s just Plan A in disguise

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should stubbornly cling to the first idea no matter what. The point is this: Plan B is actually just an adaptation of Plan A. When something doesn’t work, you don’t need to “change plans.” Instead, you adjust your course while keeping your destination in sight.

Think of it like navigating north with a compass. If there’s an obstacle in the way, you might need to detour east or west, but your true direction stays fixed.
The secret is to have an internal compass, your mental north, that guides you every time you need to recalibrate.

Why your internal compass is the real key to success

Without a clear destination, it’s easy to get lost in endless detours and “Plan Bs” that are just excuses to avoid giving your all to Plan A.

In my career as a creative director in digital experiences, I’ve learned that adaptability and intuition are essential. When a concept doesn’t work, I don’t throw away the whole project and jump to a different plan. I tweak, improve, and evolve it, always with the same goal in mind: creating an engaging, memorable experience.

How to develop your internal compass

1. Clearly define your goal: write down what you truly want and don't want, without compromises.

2. Be flexible with your methods: changing your approach doesn’t mean giving up on your result.

3. Build resilience and perseverance: detours happen, but they’re not the end.

4. Trust your intuition and empathy: these guide you through tough decisions.

5. Keep positivity and lightness alive: your journey toward your success should be enjoyable, too.

The takeaway: Plan B is just an illusion

Instead of thinking about different plans, think about one plan that evolves. The real Plan A learns, adapts, and keeps steering toward success.

If you’re ready to stop wasting energy on useless backup plans, start working on your internal compass.
You’ll see how every detour becomes just another step closer to your true north.

Foto di Jordan Madrid su Unsplash