PROBLEM SOLVING
When to Stick and When to Quit
“Stick to the plan!”
“Think of those who, not by fault of inconsistency but by lack of effort, are too unstable to live as they wish, but only live as they have begun.” — Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind, 2.6b
“Stick to the plan!” is heard over and over again on the TV show Survivor especially at Tribal Council.
Most often, one key player has orchestrated a plan that looks advantageous to everyone they talk to and is MOST advantageous to that key player. They need everyone to not talk to each other too much and most importantly to “Stick to the plan!” unthinkingly.
But life is not Survivor.
Having a life plan is always good. The plan is made up of goals and dreams, visions and wishes. And that is all good. But very rarely does life go to plan.
Things happen. There are too many variables and unforeseen opportunities that pop up.
So yes “Stick to the plan” but also be open to opportunities that will add value to your life or take you in unimagined directions.
Consider opportunities mindfully and occasionally be ready to quit the plan and write a new one.
Join me in reading and discussing The Daily Stoic*: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.
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