Five years ago, I thought I had a plan.
I’d be in the prime of my career, absolutely thriving and making a fortune. I’d have met the man of my dreams, and we’d be engaged—or maybe even married. I’d own my own house, have enough money to travel the world, maybe even have a child.
Guess what?
I don’t have a single one of those things. And I’m nearly 30.
For a while, that thought haunted me. I felt like I’d failed. Like I was behind. Like everyone else had it all figured out except me. But then I realised something: it wasn’t me that was the problem—it was the plan.
Let’s talk about why clinging to a five-year plan might actually be holding you back.
The Problem With Rigid Life Plans
Having goals is great. But when we cling too tightly to a fixed plan, we limit ourselves.
Here’s why:
1. Life is unpredictable—your plan doesn’t account for that.
Five years ago, I didn’t know the world would go through a global pandemic. I didn’t know I’d change my mind about certain career paths. I didn’t know that some of the things I thought I wanted weren’t actually meant for me.
And that’s the thing—you can’t plan for what you don’t know yet.
2. You might be chasing the wrong version of success.
I thought success meant financial milestones, marriage, travel, and ticking off the "life goals" society hands us like a checklist. But when I actually stepped back, I realised:
✔ I’ve grown in ways I never expected.
✔ I’ve built meaningful relationships.
✔ I’ve discovered passions I didn’t even know existed five years ago.
And honestly? That feels more fulfilling than forcing a plan that no longer fits.
3. Plans create pressure—and pressure creates stress.
Ever felt like you’re "falling behind" because your timeline isn’t working out? Same. But falling behind according to who? The truth is, there is no universal timeline.We put so much pressure on ourselves to meet arbitrary deadlines that we forget to actually live.
How to Set Goals Without Holding Yourself Back
You don’t need to abandon ambition—just rethink how you approach it. Try this instead:
1. Swap Your Five-Year Plan for a Five-Year Vision
Plans are rigid. Visions are flexible. Instead of forcing yourself into a strict timeline, ask yourself:
✔ What kind of person do I want to become?
✔ What experiences do I want to have?
✔ What values do I want to live by?
A vision keeps you moving forward—without suffocating you.
2. Focus on the Next Right Step
You don’t need to know exactly where you’ll be in five years. You just need to figure out:
💡 What’s the next step that excites me?
💡 What feels aligned right now?
Small steps lead to big shifts. Give yourself permission to evolve.
3. Make Peace With the Unknown
Most of the best things in life happen unexpectedly. The friendships, the career pivots, the moments of pure joy—you can’t plan those. And that’s okay.
The uncertainty that used to terrify me? Now, I see it as possibility.
Final Thought: You’re Not Falling Behind
If your life isn’t going according to "the plan," maybe the plan wasn’t the point.
You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just evolving—and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do.
So tell me—what’s one goal you’re excited about, even if it doesn’t fit into a ‘perfect’ timeline? Let’s chat in the comments. 💬👇
📌 Key Takeaways
✔ A rigid five-year plan can limit growth and create unnecessary pressure.
✔ Life is unpredictable—flexibility allows for better opportunities.
✔ Success isn’t a checklist—it’s about alignment, not timelines.
✔ Focus on your next right step, instead of stressing about the big picture.
✔ You’re not behind. Your path is unfolding exactly as it should.
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