Where to find this idea:
The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli
Many of us spend an incredible amount of time and energy creating plans — from what to eat for dinner to what to do after leaving a job. These plans cluster together to form a larger set-up for our lives. They define how we approach work, relationships and our free time.
As humans, we love the feeling of things going smoothly, and we find comfort in creating a predictable future. We love to believe that if we stick to a well-laid plan, everything will work out just fine.
Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it? But the reality is always a little bit more complex.
Think about planes for a sec. They use autopilot to keep us in the air. Every single second, this system recalculates altitude, speed and direction to close the gap between where the plane is and where it should be, all according to a plan. So, for a plane to make it to its destination, the autopilot systematically and constantly readjusts a considerable number of parameters.
You see the question coming, right?
Why don’t we use the same logic as planes? Why are we reluctant to correct and revise plans?
One of the main reasons is the stigma of correction. We are often ashamed when our plans don’t work out, feeling that we made a mistake.
Yet, plans almost never work out to the last detail.
What matters more than a plan itself is the process of planning. It’s not so much about having a fixed plan, but the ongoing process of repeated planning.
Master plans are a myth because it’s impossible to predict 100% of the circumstances in life.
Therefore, skills like adaptability and flexibility, instead of “sticking to a plan no matter the cost,” will help us move forward.
Creating plans is important as it helps us start our journeys, but the art of revision, adaptation and adjustment will lead us to our destination. And courage! Yes, we’ll need a lot of courage to keep on readjusting to life and its many twists and turns.