Going All-In: The Power of Eliminating Plan B

This post came after reading “Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential” https://amzn.to/3D58YoR, which was recommended to me by a friend. He thought it relevant for me because I had just left my w2 which in his eyes was a form of eliminating Plan B.

This is not a book review because, to be honest, I did not finish it. I found it too repetitive for my taste. Reading the title will give most people all the information they’ll ever need. With that said, I did take away some points that I’ll share.

The idea of not having or eliminating a Plan B and going all-in on Plan A can be beneficial to personal and professional growth in several ways:

1. Focus: By going all-in on Plan A, you concentrate your resources, energy, and attention on one path. This focus can often lead to greater efficiency, productivity, and achievement. You are less likely to be distracted by the thoughts of an alternative path or contingency plans.
2. Commitment: Eliminating Plan B signifies a solid commitment to your primary goal. This commitment might help you push through challenging times because there’s no easy out. The mindset of “burning the boats” can create a sense of urgency and determination.
3. Resource Allocation: By not dividing your resources between multiple plans, you can fully invest in one strategy. This can lead to accelerated growth and quicker achievement of your goals.
4. Risk-Taking and Innovation: When you go all-in, you are more likely to take calculated risks and innovate. This can potentially lead to greater personal and professional development.

However, it’s important to note that this approach also comes with its risks. If Plan A fails, you may not have a safety net to fall back on. It may also lead to unnecessary stress and pressure if the stakes are incredibly high. Therefore, this approach should be adopted with careful consideration and assessment of one’s risk tolerance and personal and professional circumstances.

It’s also worth noting that the concept of “eliminating a Plan B” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be flexible or adaptive. It’s still important to be able to adjust your strategy and approach as needed based on new information or changes in your environment.

Finally, having a Plan B does not always mean that you’re less committed to Plan A. For many, a Plan B serves as a safety net that allows them to take bigger risks with Plan A, knowing they have something to fall back on. This can also foster resilience, as people with a Plan B might be better prepared to cope with failures or setbacks.

So, while there can be benefits to “eliminating a Plan B,” it’s not a strategy that will work for everyone in every situation. It’s a personal decision that should be made based on your own risk tolerance, goals, and circumstances.

What are your thoughts? Do you subscribe to burning the boats? If so, leave a comment about a time you’ve done this and the outcome.