This Isn’t How I Thought Things Would Go—Now What?
Finding Strength to Get Back on Track When Plans Go Off Course
Have you ever had a big idea that felt like a calling, only to have everything seem to fall apart? You prayed, planned, and took action—only to hit unexpected roadblocks. Frustration sets in. You start questioning yourself—and maybe even God.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Throughout scripture, we see faithful leaders facing detours, delays, and disappointments. But those moments of uncertainty are often where God does His greatest work—reshaping our hearts, refining our character, and redirecting us toward something even greater.
The same is true in business and leadership.
If your high-stakes initiative isn’t going as expected, it’s time to step back, take a breath, and gain a fresh perspective.
The Hidden Causes of Frustration
When things don’t turn out as planned, frustration often takes hold. But beneath that frustration, there are three powerful drivers that we often underestimate:
- Our Assumptions: We assume things will unfold a certain way—our timeline, resources, or preferred path. But Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:
- “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” God often leads us in ways we never anticipated.
- Our Expectations: We believe that if we pray enough, work hard, and follow the right steps, the outcome will follow a predictable pattern. But God’s ways are higher than ours.
- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- Reality Disconnect: When results don’t match what we envisioned, we feel stuck or abandoned. But God is still at work, even when we can’t see it.
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Moving Forward When You Hit a Wall
Instead of giving up, adjust your internal compass. Explorers don’t stop when they get lost—they recalibrate, shift perspectives, and find a new route. Here’s how to regain momentum:
- Acknowledge Reality – The sooner you accept what’s happening, the sooner you can adapt. Say: “This isn’t what I planned. I don’t like it. But I’m not done.”
- Reconfirm Your Destination – Ask:
- Is this goal still worth pursuing?
- Does this still matter right now?
- Challenge Your Assumptions – If your goal still matters, the challenge isn’t to start over—it’s to find a better path.
- What assumptions did I make?
- What adjustments need to happen?
- Who needs to take action, and what’s stopping them?
- Explore a New Path – The biggest mistake leaders make is repeating the same approach and expecting different results. Instead, ask: “What’s another way to get there?” Often, the solution isn’t a major pivot—it’s small shifts:
- Clearer communication.
- Engaging the right people.
- Resetting expectations for success.
Detours aren’t failures—they’re part of the journey. When you hit a wall, step back and think strategically. Take time to reflect on these questions and define at least one concrete step you can take. You may not be where you want to be, but a different direction—and momentum—is just one action away.
Why Not Join Us for A Strategy Reboot?
If your initiative isn’t moving as fast as you’d like, or you’re facing resistance, now is the time to regain clarity and focus. And you don’t have to do it alone!
That’s why I created Strategy Reboot—a unique half-day session to help leaders uncover risks that are slowing things down, especially the people side of risk that can make or break a strategy.
You’ll walk away with:
- ✅ A proven framework about how to evaluate the risks of your strategy
- ✅ Clarity about the biggest roadblocks and how to get people on one page to move forward
- ✅ A 30-day action plan to get back on track
Join us in person in Portland, Oregon – Saturday, March 1st at the Smart Oregon Solutions Technology Innovation Center (Generously sponsored by Smart Oregon Solutions and Nehemiah Entrepreneurship Community!)
Or join us virtually on March 14 or April 11 —from anywhere!
A limited number of scholarships are available for nonprofits!
Your mission is too important. Don’t let it get derailed.
When plans fall apart, remember—you are never alone. God is always working, even in the detours. He places people in our lives to support, encourage, and guide us. Lean on Him in prayer and surround yourself with others who can help you get back on track.
Has God ever redirected your plans unexpectedly? How did He show His faithfulness? I’d love to hear from you. Message me at susan.schramm@gotomarketimpact.com
SUSAN SCHRAMM is a consultant, keynote speaker, and interim executive, she has helped hundreds of leaders in businesses, non-profits and associations, municipalities, and faith-based organizations to successfully accelerate revenue and positive outcomes for employees, customers, and communities.
Susan has held executive roles with IBM, Siemens, and Nokia. She served on the board of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), as board vice-chair and Chief Marketing Officer of the Telecommunications Industry Association, and on the board of the YMCA. Susan frequently serves as a keynote speaker for industry, educational, leadership, and community programs.
Susan founded Go to Market Impact LLC to help changemakers with big ideas for improving our world to be able to get traction faster and confidently accelerate results. She is also the Board Chair of the Nehemiah Entrepreneurship Community.
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