Join our business mastermind program and grow your business: www.businessvictories.com Have you noticed how life doesn’t always go according to plan? No matter how carefully the plan is orchestrated, sometimes the wind doesn’t align with our sails and we have to opt for plan B (or sometimes even plans C-Z). There has always been the part of writing a business plan that never seemed to connect to the overall success of my businesses along the way. In between the beautifully crafted words, thoughts, and strategies of the business plan is really what matters most. On paper it all sounds so realistic before the realities of life get in the way. What happens when real world 101 takes over the plan? Our mind started thinking about other business ventures or lost the courage to fully implement the original plan. Maybe the original plan had some fatal flaws that need to be readjusted first. Planning and having goals is super important to make sure you know where you are headed. The key is being open to other ways to get you there once you are on the road, as the curves and bumps in the road can knock us off course. Sometimes this happens by coincidence and sometimes overlooked circumstances get in the way. What I see brings most entrepreneurs to their knees (and I have had a few prayer sessions myself) is when things don’t go as hoped, planned, or dreamed. Many business owners just give up or go hide under a blanket waiting for a miracle to change the timing of things. It’s at the point of hopelessness that we find a way to adapt, fix what didn’t go as planned, and create a new plan of action that will move things forward. Take these 5 steps to avoid giving up too early: 1. Stop and take a breath to see where you currently stand. 2. Honestly assess from all angles to see how hopeful or hopeless the situation is. 3. Decide whether to abandon ship, adjust the sails, or find a new destination. 4. Surround yourself with others who support your vision. 5. Never stop believing in yourself and your team when seas get stormy. As we finish up our conversations this month on honoring time, here’s to keeping the dream alive, dedicating the time to make it happen, and never giving up what matters most!