Throw Out the Plans

“We had a change of plans” this statement usually infers that due to unexpected circumstances your plans are ruined or unfavorably altered. I personally am not a big planner but when I do make plans or try to meet a deadline and I have a change of plans, it is not a good feeling. I get very anxious about the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next. However in order to be a “Break-It Thinker” you have to welcome change in plans.

The next theory the author introduces is the “Triple Double”. He proposes that anything new will,

• Take twice as long
• Cost twice as much
• And involve twice as much work as you thought

As I get older and more involved in this thing called “adulting” I couldn’t agree more with the “Triple Double.” It always seems to hit the hardest in the middle of projects. When my husband and I first bought our house the kitchen cabinets were a natural oak color. I was determined to have white cabinets but couldn’t really afford the hefty price tag that came with having them professionally done. I researched and watched countless “do it yourself” videos. I bought all the suggested materials and went to work. Then came the “Triple Double. I was 6 months pregnant and for safety precautions I couldn’t help as much as I thought which made the project twice as long. I also did not take into account work space and supplies, so I had to purchase extra tarps and stands which made the project cost twice as much. The “do it yourself videos” only show a snippet of each step so even with my best estimate of the real effort it would take it still ended up involving twice as much work. I am sure everyone has had their own instances of triple doubles but do not be discouraged, Kriegel provides 3 ways to refuel your project.

• Readjust your goal-If things are not going your way, do not be afraid to refocus and change directions.
• Reaffirm your original commitment and vision– Think about why you started the journey in the first place, think about what you wanted to achieve. Reignite your passion.
• Begin with a Victory– Start by accomplishing something small with-in your set of goals. One success can give you that boost of confidence needed to see your vision to the end.

This concludes my series of reflections on Robert J. Kreigel and Louis Patler’s book If it ain’t broke…Break it! And other unconventional Wisdom for a changing Business World. To be candid I was very skeptical about reading this book, starting with the cover, which dawns Kreigel in a 90s suite further reiterating that this book was written over 25 years ago. As the old saying goes “you can not judge a book by it’s cover,” literally. I was so surprised by how relevant and fresh the information was. I have taken some of the Author’s advice and plan to keep it with me for many years.