When I was at university, I was a broke single mum. Funds were tight, and I was a militant budgeter. I’d sit down and create detailed household budgets. Moving numbers here and there, I’d land on the ideal budget, look at it full of satisfaction—and then think, “Well, it won’t work this week because the car registration is due, but next week, this will be the ideal budget…”
Next week never comes, though, does it? Planning for perfection is a fool's game. Strategists plan for fuckery and rub their hands together with glee as it comes into view. Here's how you can do that.
1. Don't give up on what matters
I'm training for a marathon at the moment. It's my third time, so I know that while my training plan looks bulletproof, there will probably be an injury, travel snafu or sickness that throws me off. I’ll have an unplanned boozy night before a long run, catch a cold, or miss a week while on the road. I’d be mad to think none of those things will happen.
I also know that these setbacks won't break my marathon - unless I’m caught by surprise and give up.
Whether I pull off a 42.2 this November will depend on how good I am at two things:
- Running when things have turned to shit
- Getting back on track after a setback.
Progress is more about recommitment than consistent advancement. The most successful people and businesses didn't have a smooth run, they learned to expect trouble and are good at getting back on the metaphorical horse.
2. Realise things are always hard
No plan survives first contact with the enemy. Our current operating environment is proof of this. But here’s the thing—it will always be something. A natural disaster. Bad weather. Regulatory change. Sickness. Financial upheaval. Family stuff. Restructuring. Political scandal. A new trend, new technology, new government or new CEO.
… See what I mean?
3. Remember you're perfectly capable
You've survived the last ten things; you'll probably be fine now. Remember all those world-ending things you navigated recently? The pandemic, the sickness, the job thing, the relationship thing? You're still all right, though, aren't you? You'll handle this, too.
You don't even need a good attitude- but it will help if you do.
4. Embrace the uncertainty
Give up saying things like:
- "Once things settle down, we can..."
- "When things go back to normal..."
- "If we just get past this, we'll be able to..."
Swap them for things like:
- "OK, today's fucked, new plan."
- "Let's work out how to make space for this…"
- "That didn't work how I thought. Let's try another way."
5. Flip the bird and recommit
Going off-plan when things change is perfectly acceptable and largely unavoidable. The more your goal matters, the more you’ll be forced to prove you want it. But don't go off-strategy. Your priorities, values, and goals matter now more than ever. Your why hasn't changed, but you might need a new path there.
Use your most important priorities and values to guide your response to chaos.
Ask yourself things like:
- "How can I respond to this in a way that moves me closer to where I'm going?"
- "What if this is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment?"
Don’t let the drama throw you off-course. Your goals and priorities don’t dissolve when things change, they guide your response. Show up and make choices that align with the person, team, or organisation you say you want to be.
6. Say 'perfect!' and get back to work
When in doubt, respond to every new piece of fuckery with this phrase: “Perfect!” Once you say it, you'll realise it's true. Even if it isn't, your attitude improves. Win/win.
Til next week,
AM
