What Happens When You Don’t Have A Plan?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What Happens When You Don’t Have A Plan?

It didn't go as planned, but that's okay.

1985
What Happens When You Don’t Have A Plan?
SKYBAMBI

I’ve always had a plan. I always knew what I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, how to get there and how to prepare myself for it. I’m what you call a planner.

Everything was great and going according to plan, until it wasn’t. The one thing I didn’t plan for was something I never thought would ever happen... I changed my mind.

Long story short, for the last seven years of my life I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. I was going to go to college, then med school and, after that, my residency. I was then going to get married, have a couple of kids while still working full-time as a doctor, but these things would need to come after and only after I was already established and in a stable job. Then maybe around 70 or 80, I could retire, and my life could actually slow down a little bit.

I was always bragged about for this. If you asked my family anything about me, they would for sure somehow fit in that I was the “aspiring doctor” of the family and that one day I would make them all proud (and maybe fix all of their ailments too!).

This all changed about three months ago. I don’t know how or why I decided this isn’t what I wanted to do with my life, I just did. I changed just like that. I kept it to myself for a while, and then slowly told the people I trust, until I finally got up the courage to tell my dad, who was probably the one who encouraged me and counted on me being a doctor the most. (Sorry Dad!) He took the news better than I thought he would, but he may still be in denial.

So, here I am, for the first time in my life, without a plan. I keep asking myself the infamous question we were always asked as kids in kindergarten: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But what if I am already “grown up?" Is this question still relevant for me? I should know what I want to be and where I am going, but I’m stuck here again asking myself that same question.

I say yes! We are never too old to start over, make a new plan and figure things out for ourselves. I want to make a life worth living, one that makes me happy and one that I actually want to live. I am the youngest I’ll ever be and the oldest and wisest I have ever been, so why not?

It feels absolutely crazy that for the first time in my whole life I am sitting here without a plan and I actually feel like I am exactly where I need to be. I have prayed and prayed about this. I trust that God has a plan for my life more glorious and amazing than I could ever even begin to plan for and that right now, me not necessarily having a plan is actually a part of the plan he has for my life. One day I will look back on this part of my life, when I didn’t know where I was going or what my plan was and realize that this had to happen for all the puzzle pieces to fit together exactly the way they need to fit.

So the only plan I have for my life right now is trusting that God will point me in the right direction of whatever He wants from me and what He wants my life to look like. I am perfectly content with that. So maybe, just maybe, I have a plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71494
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133497
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments