Someone recently asked me, “Melissa, what’s your five-year plan?” To be honest, I don’t have one. I have big dreams and clear goals, but no plan.

Don’t get me wrong. I really like the idea of plans. I’ve always enjoyed thinking about the future, and the surge of inspiration that comes while writing out what I “plan” to have happen in my life. And whether you care to admit it or not, I’m willing to bet that you like plans, too. Because life can be kind of (if not completely) insane and plans provide us with structure. They make us feel a little bit more in control.

But beyond our personal emotions, actions and reactions, the notion of full-control over much else is illusory. Yes, there’s a chance our plans will work out just fine. But there’s also a chance they won’t.

And that’s the problem with plans: whenever we make them, we are essentially betting on the coalescence of numerous factors- most of which we have no control over. And so, the chances of our plans working out exactly as we imagine they will are pretty slim.

Moreover, in the process of making plans, we build an inherent set of expectations; and when things don’t work out exactly as we hope (which is often the case), some level of disappointment exists.

Beyond that, plans also create “blinders.” The moment we form a plan, we become intensely focused on how we thinkthings need to happen. In the process, we miss out on so, so many possibilities and opportunities that would more effectively help us achieve the goals behind our plans.

Dreams and goals are ridiculously important. Create lots of them, every single day. But don’t confuse them with plans. 

Plans are dumb and, except in the very short term (i.e. planning on a time and location to meet someone, scheduling a necessary meeting, etc.), pretty pointless because too many factors are bound to change along the way. 

So don’t waste your time making plans. 

Just figure out what you’re living for. 

Dream about what makes you come alive.

Go set some amazing, unreasonable goals based on those dreams.

Then get committed to making your goals come true- however, whenever, wherever and with whomever they need to happen.

The rest will unravel itself- no five-year plan required.