What you need instead of a 5-year-plan.
I used to love 5-year plans.
I had spreadsheets, colour-coded notebooks, and a clear vision of where I wanted to go. Planning made me feel safe — like I was in control of my life and building something that mattered.
And truthfully, I still believe in mapping things out. I’m not anti-planning. But this year has shown me something else:
The biggest shifts didn’t come from my perfect plan. They came from clear next steps.
On Monday, I went to a retreat at the most beautiful little B&B, and it stirred something in me. Some of you in this community know that one of my wildest dreams is to one day have a place like that: a small farm, a cozy guesthouse, baking fresh bread in the mornings, feeding sheep, hosting slow living retreats.
It’s the kind of dream that feels way too big to fit into a tidy 5-year plan. So big it scares me.
But being there reminded me: I don’t need to have the full picture mapped out.
I just need to take the next right step.
Why 5-Year Plans Don’t Always Work Anymore
We’ve been taught that long-term planning equals success. That stability and direction come from knowing what we’ll do five years from now.
But let’s be honest: the world has shifted.
Fast. Unpredictably.
There’s a huge gap between expectation (owning a house by 30, ticking all the boxes) and reality (wanting a life that fits into a carry-on and the freedom to fly to Bali or LA when life calls).
What we often forget to talk about is pace.
We overestimate what we can do in six months…
and completely underestimate what can happen in five years, especially when we’re consistently taking small, intentional steps.
Because the truth is:
A moving object stays in motion. An object at rest stays at rest.
What You Need Instead of a 5-Year Plan
You don’t need a rigid plan.
You need a clear, grounded next step, and a vision that can grow with you.
What’s helped me and my clients most is creating a flexible framework that supports both clarity and change.
That might look like:
A vision for how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve
A 30–90 day map that helps you take action without feeling boxed in
Regular check-ins with your values, because yes — your values are allowed to evolve
This isn’t about ditching your ambition.
It’s about building a life that actually feels aligned — not one you’ll outgrow in a year.
Start Here: A Clarity Check-In
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to go next, try this reflection:
1. Zoom in:
What area of your life feels most out of alignment right now?
Is it your work? Your habits? A relationship? A creative idea?
2. Ask yourself:
What would “better” look and feel like two months from now?
Not perfect. Just better.
3. Take one small step:
Maybe it’s setting a boundary. Maybe it’s starting that side project. Maybe it’s finally asking for help.
One small action creates movement. And movement builds momentum.
Coaching Can Help With This
This is the kind of work I do with coaching clients — not about perfect plans, but practical clarity and conscious growth.
We look at where you are now, what actually matters to you, and how to take the next step in a way that feels true to who you are.
Because your timeline gets to look different. Your dreams get to evolve.
And your next step might be closer than you think.
✨ If you’re ready to start moving again, you can book a 1:1 Breakthrough Session or explore The Expansion — my 12-week coaching program designed to help you create real clarity and sustainable momentum.
