# The Dual Utility of the Backup Plan By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-06-25 Backup plans have at least two distinct purposes. The first and most obvious is that the backup plan is what one will do if the primary plan doesn’t work out. This type of contingency planning is common. Whereas this type of backup plan is helpful, it isn’t very interesting to discuss because of its wide acceptance and adoption. Therefore, the second, less obvious use for backup plans will be focused upon. The backup plan can also serve as the foundation for more ambitious planning. If one has a backup plan, one knows that one is “covered.” This frees one’s mind from stress and uncertainty. From that point, one can pursue high-risk approaches. These might work, but they might not. One will certainly learn while pushing boundaries and exploring an area deeply. The key is that this exploration can be fun rather than stressful because of the backup plan. A somewhat counterintuitive approach is that one can work the backup plan first, have that response ready to go, and then explore the primary approach. One has time to fail and try again. One can only do this playfully because the stress has been reduced. Otherwise, one would go only so far and scramble to devise an alternative approach when the primary plan didn’t work. Backup plans are beneficial in a variety of situations. Their greatest contribution is achieved when the backup is executed first, providing analysts the comfort to think broadly and creatively to generate something insightful and valuable. #### Related Items [[Planning]] [[Decision-making]] [[Strategy]] [[Freedom]] [[Stress]]