Verified by Psychology Today

The Plan B Life

Redesigning your world when "Plan A" fails.

Dreaming
A Change in Perspective

Lisa Manterfield on March 15, 2012

My own perceptions of a family had been shaped by the family I'd been born into. But when I looked around me, at the people I loved and whose company I chose to keep, I saw families of all types.

My own perceptions of a family had been shaped by the family I'd been born into. But when I looked around me, at the people I loved and whose company I chose to keep, I saw families of all types.

Motivation
Out With the Old

Lisa Manterfield on January 14, 2012

It's mid-January already and my New Year hasn't yet begun. I feel as if I'm still spinning my wheels, playing catch-up, and going through the same old motions as last year. Sure, I've taken time to think about the coming year and I've set realistic goals, so why do I feel as if I'm still living in the same old year?

It's mid-January already and my New Year hasn't yet begun. I feel as if I'm still spinning my wheels, playing catch-up, and going through the same old motions as last year. Sure, I've taken time to think about the coming year and I've set realistic goals, so why do I feel as if I'm still living in the same old year?

Friends
Keeping an Eye on What's Important

Lisa Manterfield on November 3, 2011

Sometimes when we're trying to get our lives together, we lose track of what's important. We get so focused on our goals and tasks that we neglect the things that truly nurture us and give us the strength to keep going.

Sometimes when we're trying to get our lives together, we lose track of what's important. We get so focused on our goals and tasks that we neglect the things that truly nurture us and give us the strength to keep going.

Career
Exceeding Expectations

Lisa Manterfield on October 26, 2011

So often we set expectations for ourselves and when they don't work out we lament our misfortune or beat ourselves up for not achieving what we set out to do. But I'm coming to believe that life isn't supposed to go as planned. And sometimes out of those disappointments come unexpected and pleasant surprises.

So often we set expectations for ourselves and when they don't work out we lament our misfortune or beat ourselves up for not achieving what we set out to do. But I'm coming to believe that life isn't supposed to go as planned. And sometimes out of those disappointments come unexpected and pleasant surprises.

Career
Success and the Pressure to Perform

Lisa Manterfield on October 20, 2011

I was just a wannabe writer. But on publication day, everything changed. A higher expectation had been set for the quality of my work. And it was paralyzing.

I was just a wannabe writer. But on publication day, everything changed. A higher expectation had been set for the quality of my work. And it was paralyzing.

Child Development
Keep It Simple

Lisa Manterfield on October 14, 2011

So often we get caught up in our own way of doing things that we don't even look up to see the obvious solutions. This is where a second set of eyes (or ears) comes in.

So often we get caught up in our own way of doing things that we don't even look up to see the obvious solutions. This is where a second set of eyes (or ears) comes in.

Motivation
Fall: The Perfect Time to Make New Year's Resolutions

Lisa Manterfield on September 9, 2011

Thinking about your New Year's Resolutions now can help you set meaningful goals that you'll stay committed to long after January has come and gone.

Here are some tips to help you consider your long-term goals now so you're ready to hit the ground running before the New Year's Eve champagne wears off.

Thinking about your New Year's Resolutions now can help you set meaningful goals that you'll stay committed to long after January has come and gone.

Here are some tips to help you consider your long-term goals now so you're ready to hit the ground running before the New Year's Eve champagne wears off.

Career
Changing "I Can't" to "I Can"

Lisa Manterfield on August 26, 2011

What can't you do? Do you have a health issue that prevents you from doing some of the things you once loved? Do you have obligations that prevent you from starting a new career? What's stopping you from getting what you want right now? A little attitude adjustment can turn "I can't" into "I can."

What can't you do? Do you have a health issue that prevents you from doing some of the things you once loved? Do you have obligations that prevent you from starting a new career? What's stopping you from getting what you want right now? A little attitude adjustment can turn "I can't" into "I can."

Motivation
Get Back on Track with a Half-Year Assessment

Lisa Manterfield on August 19, 2011

Does it sometimes feel as if you're spinning your wheels? You set ambitious goals in the New Year and now we're well into the second half of the year and those goals are starting to look way out of reach.

Don't panic. What you need is a half-year assessment.

Does it sometimes feel as if you're spinning your wheels? You set ambitious goals in the New Year and now we're well into the second half of the year and those goals are starting to look way out of reach.

Don't panic. What you need is a half-year assessment.

Cognition
The Next Hot Start-Up: You

Lisa Manterfield on August 11, 2011

As you launch your Plan B life, how do you take the first steps, stay motivated, and reach your goals? Thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur and your life as the "next big thing" can help you get creative and keep your plans on track.

As you launch your Plan B life, how do you take the first steps, stay motivated, and reach your goals? Thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur and your life as the "next big thing" can help you get creative and keep your plans on track.

cloud
Grief
Finding the Silver Lining in Loss

Lisa Manterfield on July 29, 2011

When our lives don't go as planned, it's easy - and natural - to look at the downside and focus on all the things we've lost, but looking for the silver lining, in even the most devastating of cases, can help speed the healing process.

When our lives don't go as planned, it's easy - and natural - to look at the downside and focus on all the things we've lost, but looking for the silver lining, in even the most devastating of cases, can help speed the healing process.

Child Development
Childhood Play: The Key to Finding Your Natural Gifts

Lisa Manterfield on July 21, 2011

“I can’t remember what I love to do anymore!” It’s the common cry of anyone who has spent time focusing on a goal and has lost track of what truly inspires them. Tapping childhood memories can help you discover forgotten passions and break open ideas for an exciting Plan B.

“I can’t remember what I love to do anymore!” It’s the common cry of anyone who has spent time focusing on a goal and has lost track of what truly inspires them. Tapping childhood memories can help you discover forgotten passions and break open ideas for an exciting Plan B.