Multiple Paths Thinking

One plan is hope. Three plans is control.

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Learning goal

• Generate at least three different paths to the goal.
• Assess risk and cost for each.
• Choose one to execute; keep a backup.

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Why it matters

• Single plan = single point of failure.
• Alternatives reduce anxiety and increase options.
• Revisiting plans when evidence changes is control.

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Key idea

Multiple paths means having more than one plan so that failure of one does not mean failure of the goal. One plan is hope; three plans is control.

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Procedure

1. Define the goal.
2. List at least three different ways to get there.
3. For each: main risk and cost.
4. Choose one to execute first; keep one as backup; park the third.
5. Revisit when you have new evidence.

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Common mistakes

• Betting everything on one plan.
• Treating backup plans as lack of commitment.
• Never revisiting plans when evidence changes.

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Today's move

For one important goal, list 3 different paths. Pick one to run first and one as backup. Write down the trigger that would make you switch.

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Self-check

• You can explain the key idea in one sentence.
• You have one concrete move to do today.