Career plans—as if life will let us shape our way as we wish. Now, don’t be miffed; I’m not insulting your plan to retire at thirty as a multi-millionaire, stay in shape playing golf, and living by the pool. But plans have a nasty way of becoming undone after they come in contact with things like poor health, a not-so-robust economy, or accidents.
The military knows this phenomenon well, so phrases like ” No plan survives contact with the enemy” are often heard. Dwight Eisenhower said it best when he stated that plans are of little value, but planning is indispensable. One is an inflexible document, and the other is a knowledgeable inquiry into the factors you have to face or overcome. In one, you are fixed in position; in the other, you are flexible and ready for changing circumstances. Planning implies preparing for a multitude of possible outcomes. While sticking to a plan implies straight, unilinear development.
Good luck with the plan, but remember, in the words of the Ancient Romans – ” Stercus Accidit” (shit happens).
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I never had a career plan… Hmmm. Maybe that’s where I went wrong.
No, I think it’s where you went right. Painting yourself int corners is never a great idea.
It would seem I agree. 😀
My initial career plan was doomed to failure. I would never have made a good diplomat.