When Life Disrupts Your Plans
You started the year with momentum. You reflected, set your goals, and were ready to execute. Then… life happened. Unexpected events—whether personal, professional, or global—disrupted your focus, and now you feel off track. Maybe even behind.
Over the past two weeks, in my coaching conversations with executives—many of whom have been deeply affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles—I’ve heard a common refrain:
“I was ready to go. I had a plan. And now everything feels off. I hate being behind.”
If that resonates, you’re not alone. For high-achievers, disruptions like this can feel especially frustrating. When external circumstances throw us off course, it's easy to get stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and urgency to "catch up."
I get it. As a high-achiever and meticulous goal-setter myself, I know this feeling well. But over the years, I’ve developed a few key practices that help me move through these moments with more resilience and ease. I hope they help you too.
1. Non-Attachment
Most of what happens in life is beyond our control. And yet, we tend to cling tightly to our plans, routines, and goals—which can make us rigid rather than adaptable. While structure helps us succeed, too much attachment to a predefined outcome can create unnecessary suffering.
My personal mantra this year is: "No cherished outcomes." It has been wildly useful in helping me release the pressure of what I thought I should be doing and instead focus on what’s actually needed in the present moment. This mindset shift allows me to be more flexible, to process emotions as they arise, and to prioritize wisely—even in times of crisis.
2. Zoom Out
When you’re in the middle of disruption, it’s easy to get lost in the feeling of being "behind." But if you zoom out and take a broader perspective, you’ll realize:
January is just one month in a 12-month year.
A strong start is great, but consistency over time matters more.
Unexpected challenges will arise, and success isn't about avoiding them—it’s about how you respond.
Shifting your perspective from "I'm off track" to "This is part of the journey" can be a game-changer.
If it feels like the fires derailed your January plans, why not consider February as your New January? There’s nothing magical about January 1st—it’s just an arbitrary starting point. The real power lies in your ability to redefine the timeline. Giving yourself permission to treat February as a fresh kickoff point can ease the pressure and reignite your momentum.
3. Grace and Space
High-achievers are notoriously hard on themselves. When things don’t go according to plan, our default reaction is often self-criticism—but that only adds to the stress.
What if, instead, you practiced self-compassion? What if you gave yourself the same grace you would offer a friend or colleague?
There is no timeline for processing loss, change, or disruption. Instead of rushing to “get back on track,” consider this: What would it look like to honor what you’re feeling while still making small, meaningful steps forward?
4. Reframing Productivity
One of the biggest sources of frustration I hear is: "I had momentum, and now it’s gone."
But what if we broaden our definition of productivity? What if navigating disruption with intention is just as valuable as executing a plan?
Consider:
Processing emotions is productive.
Caring for your team is productive.
Making thoughtful, conscious adjustments is productive.
Protecting your well-being so you can show up fully later is productive.
Your output may look different right now, but that doesn’t mean you're not making meaningful progress.
Reflection Questions
Here are a few questions to help you reframe how you’re thinking about disruption, expectations, and progress:
What expectations am I holding onto that may no longer serve me?
If I zoom out, what do I see that I couldn’t see in the moment?
What does self-compassion look like for me right now?
What would it feel like to trust that I am exactly where I need to be?
How might I redefine "progress" in a way that honors my current reality?
Bringing It All Together
If you’ve been feeling off track, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. Life doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, but that doesn’t mean you’ve lost momentum. Resilience isn’t about avoiding disruptions—it’s about how you navigate them.
By practicing non-attachment, zooming out to see the bigger picture, offering yourself grace and space, and reframing productivity, you can move forward with more ease and clarity. And if it helps, declare February your fresh start.
What if, instead of pushing to catch up, you focused on aligning with where you are now? That shift—acceptance over resistance—is what will help you regain your rhythm, on your terms.