When the plan is not going to plan

I’d failed. Yet again.

You know the whole “two steps forward, one step back”? That’s where I was, a few steps back, and I felt like I was being pelted with new tasks the whole way.  

All I wanted to do was successfully cross an item off my todo list (and not the ones we add to the todo list because we can easily cross it off).  Every project I’d taken on, had stalled, and there were several new steps in their place.  

As some of you know, I am creating a retreat space in my home in the Pocono Mountains.  In preparing for a July opening, I have been pushing myself to finish the set-up and updates. 

This day, it was a simple door hinge that broke me. 

As the project lead (and everything else) I gave myself a deadline of EOW (end of week) to get the kitchen cabinets remounted.  Friday evening, I was getting the last of the cabinets up when I realize one hinge is missing. After searching EVERYWHERE, I accepted there is no hinge and my deadline is fast approaching. 

I took a seat.  My brain was buzzing.  

It wasn't just the one hinge.  I thought about the other projects that I’d started that were on hold because I needed another part, the order was suddenly canceled after shipping, or the service contact I’d made was unresponsive.  Suddenly, the feeling that nothing is going right creeps back in and surrounds me.  I was annoyed (mainly at myself). How could I lose a hinge? I had placed them specifically in order to not lose them but that didn’t work.  It had been a week and I just couldn’t anymore.  My plan was falling to pieces.  All I want to do now was give up and go watch Bridgerton. Forget it all!

Anyone else ever gotten to this point? 

So what DO you do when the plan is going downhill? 

Answer: Stick to the plan.

First, I took a few deep breaths and used the mindfulness tools I’ve learned over a decade to ground myself, and then, I went back to the plan.  

I am creating a retreat space where a woman in need of a break can go to rest her body, to relax her mind, and renew her spirit.  THAT is the plan.  

Suddenly, the 2-inch hinge didn’t seem like such a big rock on my pile of fails.  After a quick Google search, I found a comparative hinge at the hardware store and ran to pick it up (and a bottle of wine).  

Progress not perfection: new hinge and old hinge.

That evening when I finally put down my tools, I allowed myself to celebrate a productive week. 

Did things go as planned? Not at all. 

Did I finish everything on my list? Of course not.

Did I make progress? Yes!

Did I have direction on what to do next? Definitely. 

3 Steps for Sticking to the Plan

It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the little things that go into the big picture. “I have so much to do” is the most common refrain I hear from others (and myself). 

Here are three steps you can take to stick to the plan and not retreat to your bed:  

1. Remember what your plan is.

In The Wiz (or The Wizard of Oz if you can’t handle all that rizz), Dorothy is not trying to get to Oz or the Wizard, she is trying to get HOME. Write it down as often as you need to and make it visible to keep it top of mind.  This will help you stay focused and not get too distracted by the hurdles that come your way.

2. Prioritize what NEEDS to be done now and what CAN be done later.

I know the messaging we’ve received is that we can do everything. We’re Super Woman, Super Mom, we can handle anything BUT do we have to if we don’t have to?  Make your list and then prioritize what you can do now and what you can schedule for another time.  Bonus points if you can delegate tasks, or delete a task all together. 

3. Give yourself some slack. 

Progress over perfection will always be the way to go.  We’re often applying too much pressure (expecting to get a month’s worth done in 3 days) or too little pressure (we keep moving the deadline).  Find your pressure balance of challenge and grace that keeps you moving forward toward your goal and recognizes your humanity.   

Remember, there will be challenges on this journey. You know it, I know it. When you're responsible for keeping your eye on so many moving parts, it's easy to get distracted from your original goal. Don't forget why you're doing what you're doing and you'll do great!

I shared what works for me, now I would love to hear what you do when your plan is not going to plan.  Please share this with a friend or fellow entrepreneur if you found it helpful.

To your success!