If you’re like me, you’ve always been taught that having a plan is good. Having a plan keeps your organized, it reminds you of the goals and expectations you should be setting yourself, and, when things go well, you feel confident. But, sometimes having a plan is not all it’s cracked up to be. With senior year starting up, many of us are probably wondering what we will be doing this time next year, but here are the top five reasons why it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out.
1. You take more risks.
Although risks can be scary, taking chances is what keeps life interesting. If you have a rigid five-year plan, you’ll be less likely to try new things or step outside your comfort zone. Who knows, maybe one risk will lead to an exciting opportunity.
2. You have more freedom.
Plans are great in some cases, but they can also be very limiting. The restrictions that come along with this type of game plan can make you feel obligated to strictly follow it. When you do this, you might feel trapped. By having a looser guideline as to what you want to do in the future, you’ll have more freedom to express yourself and do what makes you happy.
3. You can guiltlessly invest time into new passions.
On that same note, sometimes while trying out new adventures, you find passions in unexpected places. If you aren’t so focused on your end goal, you’ll be able to take some time to test out new endeavors, shamelessly.
4. You won’t put as much pressure on yourself.
In my opinion, one of the hardest parts about having a strict plan for yourself is the pressure to perform perfectly without wasting any time. Not having a plan allows you to move at your own pace, make mistakes sometimes, and figure out different methods of doing things that work the best for you.
5. You can keep your options open for new opportunities.
If an opportunity presents itself, and you’re interested, you should be able to dive in without worry about throwing a previously made plan off track. Life is short, so you should enjoy it and take advantage of every chance that comes your way.
For some people, plans work great and they never feel stifled or suffocated. If you’re one of those people, then definitely keep doing what makes you feel comfortable. However, if you’re not one of those people, don’t beat yourself up for not being able to fit that mold. Obviously your future is important, but it’s not so important that you should forget about living in the present and being happy.
Photo Sources:
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