Do You Really Need a Plan B? The Surprising Truth About Backup Plans and Big Dreams"

Do You Need a Plan B While Pursuing Your Dreams?

Pursuing big goals or dreams often brings up the question: should you have a Plan B? For some, the idea of a backup plan seems like a distraction that could dilute their commitment. For others, it’s a necessary safety net, providing peace of mind and the courage to take bold steps. But what does research, and even personal experience, say about this?

The Psychological Impact of a Backup Plan

In 2014, researchers at Wharton conducted a study that gives us insight into this debate. They found that while having a backup plan might reduce motivation in the short term, it can actually boost long-term resilience. A backup plan can be empowering, especially when it serves as a safety net rather than a fallback. Knowing that there’s an alternative allows people to feel secure enough to take calculated risks. It’s not about expecting failure—it’s about preparing for it so that the journey itself is less stressful and more focused.

Real-Life Example: Howard Schultz and Starbucks

One of my favorite examples is Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. Before diving into the coffee industry, Schultz had a stable career in medical sales—a job he considered his fallback if the Starbucks journey didn’t work out. That backup plan wasn’t an excuse; rather, it gave him the confidence to take bold risks. Knowing he had something to lean on, Schultz pushed Starbucks from a small coffee retailer into the global icon it is today. His backup plan didn’t pull him away from his dream; it fueled his courage to make it happen.

Does a Plan B Hurt or Help Motivation?

Some psychologists argue that backup plans can dampen motivation by offering an alternative focus. This aligns with self-determination theory, which stresses the importance of full commitment and intrinsic motivation. But there’s another perspective: the key is in how you view the backup plan. For many people, a Plan B isn’t an "easy out"; it’s a way to manage risk and reduce fear, creating a space for them to put all their energy into Plan A.

Personally, I think of a Plan B as wearing a parachute on a plane. It’s not because I’m expecting to use it, but knowing it’s there allows me to focus more on the journey than the potential fall.

Strategic Backup Plans vs. Paralyzing Alternatives

Not all Plan Bs are created equal. A well-designed backup plan should support, not undermine, the primary goal. Here’s a framework I use to differentiate:

• Strategic Backup: A skill, job, or qualification that complements your main goal. For example, if your dream is to start a business, maintaining a part-time role in a related industry could provide financial stability without diverting your focus.
• Paralyzing Backup: An entirely different path that you view as an escape route rather than a stepping stone. This kind of Plan B might hold you back because it divides your attention and weakens your commitment to the primary goal.

If constructed well, a Plan B acts more like a support beam than a crutch. It doesn’t divert attention but instead provides peace of mind, fostering resilience and strategic risk-taking.

Plan B as a Tool for Taking Calculated Risks

In my own experience, having a Plan B has empowered me to take more significant risks. By having a backup, I’m not tied up in fear of failure. For instance, when building CedisPay, I had other skills and revenue streams to rely on if my initial ideas didn’t pan out. That backup didn’t dilute my dedication; it fueled my courage and kept me moving forward. I knew I could afford to make mistakes, which in turn allowed me to grow faster and pursue bold goals.

A well-crafted Plan B is less about expecting failure and more about creating the confidence to push boundaries. It's the confidence of knowing that if things don’t go exactly as planned, I have options.

How to Build a Backup Plan that Works for You

To make a Plan B that complements rather than hinders your primary goal:

1. Align it with Your Primary Goal: Choose a backup that still contributes to your ultimate objective. For example, if you want to pursue creative work, a fallback in a related field like content creation or digital marketing can still build skills and experience that are useful to your dream.
2. Use it as a Confidence Booster: Knowing that a Plan B exists can help you overcome the fear of failure. This can free up mental space to focus on and enjoy the pursuit of your main goal.
3. Adjust Over Time: Backup plans can evolve as you make progress. As you get closer to achieving your primary goal, you might find that your Plan B naturally becomes less relevant—or that you need a different kind of safety net.

Conclusion: Plan B as a Catalyst, Not a Crutch

The idea of a Plan B doesn’t have to be limiting. A thoughtfully crafted backup plan can boost resilience and offer the confidence needed to go after your primary goal with everything you’ve got. Like flying a plane with a parachute, having a Plan B can be the peace of mind you need to focus on what matters most.

So, do you need a Plan B? It depends on how you look at it. If you use it as a tool for empowerment, rather than a way to hedge your bets, a backup plan can be a powerful ally in your pursuit of success.

What are your thoughts? Have you found a backup plan helpful—or do you think it detracts from full commitment? Share your insights below—I’d love to hear from you.

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