What do you mean it’s not there?

That was my first thought when the call came in to tell me that my shipping crate on its way back from a trade show was missing in action. Great. That’s a fine way to start the morning; especially since I have another show and materials to ship out this week; materials that are in the missing crate. What’s a person to do? Well, I could yell, scream and run around the office like my hair is on fire, but that won’t magically make the crate materialize. Though, that behavior would certainly provide some amusement for my co-workers. I could lament my situation; poor me, this always happens to me. Again, no good coming out of that line of thinking. Or I could calmly call on the power of Plan B. Focus on what can be done, not what can’t be done. Have a back-up plan. Sometimes stuff happens.

Plan B is basically “a set of actions for doing or achieving something that you can use when your original plan fails.” It’s a way of re-focusing, changing your approach, being prepared for the unexpected and never giving up. Having a Plan B could make the difference between success and failure; both in business situations and in your personal life. It’s being prepared, not missing a beat and keeping things moving in the right direction. It’s being able to adapt when you’re thrown a curve, not panicking in the face of adversity and controlling your own destiny. It’s about giving you confidence in knowing that all your bases are covered. It's the “never let them see you sweat” antidote that keeps things from getting of control. Guess what? Sometimes you may even need Plan C, D and E!

In this case, I won’t have to use Plan B. The missing crate has been found and is arriving here in enough time for me to turn it around and ship it back out. The point is that Plan B was available.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Posted by MJ Thomas