Comments on: The War on Apathy Continues …

By: Marge MacKinnon

Marge MacKinnon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:55:35 +0000

I agree that Plan A deserves exceptional commitment. However, as Michael Leiter pointed out so well, that should not eliminate the necessity of having a Plan B outline up one’s sleeve. Despite commitment, the best plans don’t always succeed. That doesn’t mean the goal isn’t worth achieving or that one should accept failure. It means one should evaluate what went wrong with Plan A, and then pull out, polish, and implement Plan B.

I’m interviewing for a new job (outstanding content professional here). I’ll research and prepare for an interview with the “perfect” company for the perfect job, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still filling out other applications, or lining up freelance opportunities.

Marge

By: Susan Mazza

Susan Mazza — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:24:27 +0000

Love that scene from that movie (we seem to have the same taste in movies). What I take away is that it not so much about not having a plan B, but rather about our relationship with plan B. Plan B is not an escape hatch! Plan A stands the best chance of working if we give it 110% of our energy, focus and intention.

Foghorn Leghorn (yes the cartoon and I am dating myself!) used to draw himself in the beginning of the cartoon. He also had a giant eraser. I like to tell people that while it may be prudent to have a plan B, if they construct it in their mind like it’s a back door it will weaken their stand for and focus on Plan A. So when you notice you have constructed a back door get out that big eraser.

Really great post Mike. I am getting a lot of great food for thought out of your posts on this theme of the war on apathy.
.-= Susan Mazza´s last blog ..Do You Set People Up to Win? =-.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:24:34 +0000

Hey! Great to hear from you. It’s been a while. I thought about you when I wrote this. Thanks for your comment.

Mike…

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:19:09 +0000

Lea, thanks for your great comment. Typically it’s fear that keeps us from going after what we really want. We settle because of it. You’re correct, the big trade off isn’t worth it.

By: Ronald Lancaster

Ronald Lancaster — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:33:20 +0000

Hey Mike.

I’m in! Never say die. Always get up. One more round. Nothing but 100%-all the time. I have lived with these for the last forty years. Good to hear your re-enforcements…

Ronnie

By: Lea

Lea — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:22 +0000

We should always go with what we like and not force our self to do what we don’t like because of certain conditions if you really want to succeed in what your going to do. This can be compared to getting a job, like you will choose a job even though you don’t like it because of salary. What’s the big salary if you’re not having fun with your work. Maybe it depends to the person as well.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:54:07 +0000

Thanks for the comment Dallas. Isn’t it neat how some of these “coincidences” seem to be so timely. I’m glad this helped you reinforce your commitment.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:52:47 +0000

Great point Thomas: Count the cost and then excellence to the end. Let me know where I can order the t-shirt! Thanks.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:51:40 +0000

Thanks Michael for a great perspective. There are always cases where the consequences of failure are too high to be negligent about a plan B. We all should be careful (as you seem to be) to make sure we don’t over-emphasize the consequences of a Plan-A failure.
Thanks again.

By: Dallas Bragg

Dallas Bragg — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:28:11 +0000

Mike,

Thank you for this post because it is confirmation for me on a thought process I had today at work. I have spent years looking for the “right” job. I have wanted to do something with all of my heart once I foun my “niche”. Back in the Spring I found the job of my dreams. After a few months I started feeling unsettled again and could sense that I was not giving my “all”. Today a thought occured to me: Give your all no matter where you are or what you are doing and you’ll feel satisfied and gratified. Your blog has reinforced that in me.

Dallas
.-= Dallas Bragg´s last blog ..The Dysfunction of Assumptions =-.