When a carefully-thought-out plan just isn’t working, it may be time to ditch it for a backup plan. A backup plan is a contingency plan you should have put in place before you began the project so you won’t have to slow down or stop if the main plan isn’t working.
You’ll know if the original plan isn’t working because your progress will slow or it isn’t giving the results you anticipated. Backup options will help you move on without stopping to figure out what your next move will be.
Later on, you can revisit the original idea to see why it didn’t work. A backup plan is especially for when something goes wrong with the original plan and you can have several backup plans to prepare for several types of obstacles.
For example, if you’re walking outside to lose weight, and a storm is approaching, you’d have to have a backup spot to walk indoors so that you cold carry out your plans. It works the same in business.
For instance, a backup plan for a timing problem will be totally different than one where your computer shuts down or you’re without internet for a few days. With a timing issue, you may have to figure out how many more hours or days you’ll have to work to make sure you meet the deadline.
Having a system breakdown is different because you may not know how long the interference will last. A good backup plan is to have another computer ready to go or another place to access Internet.
If you anticipate financial difficulties in the middle of an important project, one thing you can do for implementing a Plan B is to ensure there is a certain amount of credit or cash you can depend on. It’s common to miscalculate costs – especially if you aren’t familiar with the process you’re using.
Having a way to access money that will keep you on track can set your mind at ease so things will run smoother. Another problem that can happen with businesses concerns employees you may be counting on.
An employee that becomes ill or can’t help with the project for any other reason can put you in jeopardy of not meeting deadlines or having to give up the project altogether. One way to counteract that possibility is to research resources or contact temporary agencies to find out if another person with the same qualifications you could employ.
As you research a project, give lots of thought to obstacles that may pop up during the process and jot notes about how you might handle the problems. Later on, you can refer to those notes and put a backup option in place before you even begin.
Having backup options available is key to being able to carry out any plans or meet any goals successfully and with peace of mind. Without backup plans, your ideas and goals could spiral out of control and you may never get to the finish line.
