Why You Should Throw Out Your 5-year Plan (Yes, Really!)

If the last couple years have taught us anything, it’s that the best-laid plans…well, you know. With everything going on in the world, many of us have taken a hard look at where we are, what we’re prioritizing, and — most importantly — WHY we’re doing what we’re doing. So we canceled our 5-year plan and decided to become better today. Right now. And we want to encourage you to do the same. 

Now we can already hear some of you slamming your laptops shut. But stay with us!  Obviously, we all have long term plans and goals for the future. 

But you have one life. ONE. And you can’t spend it checking off boxes, always focused on the future and the next set of goals. Because what’s most important is today. It’s really all we have. And we get it. We know how hard it is to let up and just focus on right now. When you’re an ambitious woman — especially an ambitious woman of color — it can feel like it has to be all gas, no brakes, all the time. 

But remember this: your WHY will remain constant. Even when plans change, or stall, or fall completely apart, you’re not losing ground. You’re living your life, becoming your best self, even when it doesn’t look like the way it was “supposed” to. So yes, do something today that Future You will thank you for. But don’t forget that Present You is the one who really matters. 

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