The Odyssey Plan: A Simple Way to Plan Your Future

The Odyssey Plan is a practical and creative way to think about your future. It was developed by Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans as part of their "Designing Your Life" method. Instead of feeling stuck on one path, this plan helps you explore different options and make confident choices about your life.

The Three Life Paths

• Current Plan – This is the future based on your current path. If everything goes as planned, what would your life look like in five years?
• Alternative Path – If your first option was not available, what else would you do? This should be something you are interested in but may not have seriously considered.
• Wild Card Plan – If money, skills, or social expectations were not an issue, what would you pursue? This is your dream life with no limits.

Meet John

John is a 30-year-old single man with no car or house, but he is well-educated. He has a stable job with a good salary and is saving money while thinking about his future. He is waiting for a life partner but not actively searching, and he has a business idea but feels afraid to take the risk. He also values good health and a positive mindset.

1. Current Plan (Stay in the Same Job & Save for Retirement)

• Continue working in his current job and saving money.
• Gradually build financial security for retirement.
• Wait for the right partner without actively seeking one.
• Maintain a regular fitness routine and eat healthy.
• Practice mindfulness and stress management.
• Feelings: Stable, secure, but possibly unfulfilled.

2. Alternative Path (Actively Search for a Life Partner & Buy a House)

• Take a more active approach to finding a life partner.
• Invest in a house or car for stability.
• Look for career growth opportunities.
• Join social groups to build connections.
• Engage in hobbies and self-improvement.
• Feelings: More social and future-focused.

3. Wild Card Plan (Start a Business While Keeping His Job)

• Start a side business while keeping his job.
• Use savings to invest in the business.
• Test the business model before transitioning.
• Develop a strong mindset with self-improvement.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Feelings: Exciting, challenging, but calculated.

Like John, Try to Create Your Journey…

1. Brainstorm Ideas – Write down different career, personal, and lifestyle possibilities.
2. Create Three Maps – Describe where you will be in 5 years for each path.
3. Evaluate Your Plans – Consider happiness, confidence, and feasibility.
4. Test and Explore – Take small steps to explore different paths.

Your life is not a single journey but a series of possibilities. The Odyssey Plan helps you design a future that is exciting, meaningful, and adaptable. Try it today and see where your imagination takes you!