Something that comes up a tremendous amount, is the topic of what we actually do if “it doesn’t work out.” Being that this question is pretty important for those that try to run their own shows, this has been something that I’ve put a lot of resources into thinking about. In part because at some point somebody will always have to ask, but also more importantly because sustainability and success is obviously a huge part of whether we can continue to do what we love. The oddest thing about the question is perhaps that it’s simultaneously obvious what it means, and yet also fairly underdetermined. While I’m a huge fan of exploring various “case scenarios,” it strikes me that the concept of “plan B” has a number of glaring holes that are worthy of discussion.
To start off with the most philosophical element, what does it mean for our endeavors to “not work out?” While this may sound like overthinking it, I think there is really something to be said for recognizing that not reaching exactly the place we expect is normal and not itself a sign of failure. Life continuously brings new scenarios and unexpected elements to the mix, and no master planner is in the business of perfectly predicting all possible scenarios. Additionally, the things that we want or need change over time, and sometimes we pivot to other things. Rather than thinking of success or failure in terms of reaching an exact destination or not, I like to suppose that the real goal is to set ourselves up such that we don’t lose or necessarily sacrifice even when we do not hit a home run. One of the problems that I’ve observed a great deal, is people living a “stepping stone” sort of life where they do things they disenjoy or hate with some yet discovered paradise waiting on the other side of it in their imagination. The problems with this are many, but one that pops out is if you do not turn out to be a unicorn from your endeavor, you only stand to lose or at least lose a lot. This turns our endeavors into gambles more than well thought through, intentional life decisions.
The next logical thing to talk about in my mind, is what our alternatives are to being in a “stepping stone” or “plan B” paradigm. Though I’ve certainly beaten the passion horse enough, the truth is in order to arrange our endeavors such that less optimal scenarios don’t end in huge losses, we have to win by merely going on the trip. By combining passion, and case scenario strategizing, we can create “win-win scenarios” or win more-win less scenarios, that allow us to advance a substantial amount even in traditional fail situations. The first part of that on the passion side is instrumental because if we view participating in some endeavor as it’s own sacrifice, we have already shot ourselves in the foot. One of my models that I may have invoked elsewhere on the blog, is that I prefer to like the idea, the process, and the more-or-less assured destination of whatever I do. By assured I mean, what do I stand to gain no matter how I preform, particularly on things outside of my control? For instance with my first book, I knew I wanted to write a book, I felt the topic was important enough and sensed a gap giving it purpose, and I knew I’d improve as a writer no matter how the book went. In other words, I like the idea of having a book, I enjoy writing, and I would become a better writer and add valuable experience under my belt no matter what. As one can see I fulfilled all 3 parts of my framework, and have found all of the elements of it to be true at this point. The number of sales on said book is secondary to having written it in the first place. Contrast this with writing a book to sell copies, on a topic that bores you, enduring hand pain and long chunks sitting in a chair staring at a blank page. Even if it sells reasonably well, you gained that, and maybe writing experience that you may not really value. This type of bet is weighted heavily towards our disadvantage, and I’d venture to suggest on balance causes us to lose more frequently than we ever need to.
The second part of breaking old trends in our lives, is getting really specific and good at drafting out case scenarios, and setting our various fears. “Fear setting” as it’s called, is super important because generally I find that the nameless monster or fear, imagined by the non-verbal parts of the mind are actually way larger and more terrifying left unstudied than when defined carefully. In many cases, the fear was actually the majority of the problem and often the worst case scenarios we can consider do not actually warrant such paralysis from us. The only real advice I think necessary here, is to plan around average case scenarios or worse, not unicorn scenarios. Aiming to be a unicorn is fine, I do this all the time, but you should not construct a realistic, sustainability plan around hitting home runs constantly even if you hold yourself to a high standard. We call it peak performance because it doesn’t happen all the time after all. The other problem with the “stepping stone” mentality is that it encourages us in many cases to hold on to dreams of yachts and mansions on the other side of the jungle or valley because to not have such fantasies, would break our spirit on some level. Yet another thing that gets in the way of internal peace.
Bringing us to another important part of the problem with orthodox “plan B’s” is that we often spend so much energy on them we stop giving our all to “plan A.” This is really where passion becomes important not only because of the win-win model, but because it’s what gives us the resolve needed to forge ahead. As is all too well known, many people work on something for 3 weeks, or 6 months and give up claiming that whatever the were after is unachievable. I probably don’t need to spell out what’s wrong with this mentality, but suffice it to say, if you give up on your ultimate goal really ever, it’s not your ultimate goal. Now maybe you don’t have an ultimate goal, or don’t know what you really want from yourself or life, and on some level this characterizes all of us, but you don’t quit when you really want something. It may be a cliche but you fail automatically when you give up. You don’t get better if you stop practicing and learning, and working towards your goals. For me personally, though I work through many scenarios for myself, any of my ultimate goals are things I will get to if it takes me 5 years, 10 or 1000. I’ll claw my way up and die trying if that’s what it takes because there ain’t no other way to live. I live for my goals and pursue my goals to live, in large part. I’m not telling anyone else to do that, but if that kind of resolve is something you do not feel for your endeavors I urge you to stop and reflect. It’s fine to kinda want something and work towards it, it’s fine to do the chores and be lukewarm about it, but there has gotta be something or someone that gets you hot between the fucking legs in your life. Not preaching, but what other kind of existence is even worth living? Even if you discover immortality, each moment is precious, why waste them dicking around simmering at 6? Something that I’ve discovered is that beyond delusion, we really do seem to benefit from some level of self belief. I don’t think I’m special by any means, I just don’t see the point in limiting myself by what humans think they can and can’t do. How does that make me better? Instead of plan a or plan b, stupid as it sounds, what is “plan us?” What do we want to have, be, do and who do we want to do it with, and what are we willing to give, or take to achieve it? To my mind these are all much better alternatives to asking, “what is my plan b?”
Probably a little warmer than some of my other pieces, but it would be harder to be lukewarm about life’s most important questions. Hope this was thought-provoking and encourages you to put what you want out there a bit more. I wish you success in whatever you decide is important to you. Be well.
Orion Aeneas Webster,
FourthEye author
FourthEye 
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