Plan B: The altered course

When most think about mapping out the path of their life such as plans for college, trade school, or enlisting in the armed forces, it’s rare for anyone to schedule or account for the road beyond a career and possible marriage. But even with a carefully charted route, there are issues that will invariably pop up and sometimes completely alter the planned course of life. What are realized, often much too late, as mistakes or unwise choices serve to drastically modify our plans.

Not to be guilty of “hogging the spotlight,” but Jamie does grant me the notion of sharing my opinion each week so, to put it bluntly, this is my column. But, getting back to the point; I’d imagine it would be perfectly acceptable for one to assume life plans constructed by the younger version of me had more-or-less been designed to follow a similar path as most. And, like many, that pre-fabricated agenda was inadvertently disrupted and had to be drastically modified.

Reportedly, I had gotten accepted at and attended Mercer University, in Macon, but am uncertain as to what transpired that prevented completion of a degree in the chosen field of study. Fast-forward a number of years following some ill-advised choices and I found myself in Jacksonville, FL; the owner of two companies; which had apparently not been part of the original plan. The business ventures, planned or not, did prove to be moderately successful which facilitated other interests and led to a business partnership with my father, the late Billy Howard, Sr.

Following several successful years in business and us delving into real estate; remember the “unexpected pop-ups?” Well, that proved to be the case when life threw an unanticipated line drive that caught me square in the face and derailed all future plans. In fact, it nearly altogether cancelled my future. Nonetheless, life demands that, when the unexpected occurs, one remains pliable enough to adapt and overcome those specific challenges. And such has been the case over the past two decades as I explain to others, “I do the best that I can to do the best that I can, and that’s simply the best that I can do.” This statement is far from a concession and in no way suggestive of giving up. In fact, it’s a testament to the mindset that establishes exactly the opposite…the idea of throwing in the towel simply cannot be viewed as an option.

For those who take the initiative to formulate a plan for life and encounter issues that prompt the redirection of their route to success, having a back-up option is as much a vital part of the agenda as the initial formula itself. There’s an adage that states, “For one to fail to plan is to plan to fail.” This holds true in more than one way and becomes evident in a majority of unsuccessful endeavors undertaken by everyone from students to aspiring business owners alike.

There is little in life that will align perfectly with plans laid out in the pursuit of any specific end goal. Roadblocks, hurdles, and obstacles are a given; in most cases, can be expected. But, in no way does that have to be interpreted as the death of your passion or the conclusion of a dream.

Sometimes, it’s a matter of simply changing the lens and attempting an approach to the situation from another perspective or even restructuring your directive altogether. The key is to have a “Plan B” as there’s nothing that says success can’t come by way of what’s considered an alternate course of action. The only assurance you can hope to gain by giving up is that failure is imminent. I could be wrong but it’s just something to consider.

You can reach Howard at bg@authorbghoward.com.