When Plans Go Sideways: Why Planning Still Matters (Even When Chaos Happens)

“Hermione, when have any of our plans actually worked? We plan, we get there, and all hell breaks loose.”

This memorable line from the last Harry Potter movie perfectly captures how many of us feel about planning. Why bother, right? Life never seems to go as expected anyway.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.  A lot of my clients share similar frustrations:
• “Why bother planning when something always throws it off track?”
• “What’s the point if it just feels like wasted effort?”

I get it.  This year, I signed up for a half-marathon and carefully mapped out a training plan to get ready. And then—I got sick for three weeks. My plan? Out the window.

So, if plans don’t always work out, why plan at all?

Why Planning Still Matters

Here’s the truth: having a plan still gets you where you want to go faster—even when chaos happens.

The trick is understanding that a good plan isn’t about sticking rigidly to every detail. It’s about leaving room for the unexpected and knowing how to adapt when life throws a wrench in your schedule.

When your plan is packed to the brim, with no space for interruptions or flexibility, even the smallest disruption can feel overwhelming. That’s when you might feel like throwing in the towel entirely.

The truth: “all hell breaking loose” isn’t the problem.
The problem lies in how we plan—and how we respond when things don’t go according to that plan.

The Secret to Planning for Chaos

What if your plan could handle a little chaos?

It can.

The key is to create adaptable plans that include room for adjustments. When unexpected situations arise, instead of scrapping the entire plan, you can make tweaks and keep moving forward—without frustration or guilt.

Because here’s the reality: the plan isn’t the problem, AND the unexpected circumstance isn't a problem. It’s how we adjust to changes that determine whether or not we reach our goals.