“The Plan Is… F* IT”

As we kick off another year, it’s hard not to feel the excitement and self-inflicted pressure of New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s hitting the gym more often, eating cleaner, quit chewing tobacco ??, or tackling a personal project that’s been sitting on the back burner, we’ve all been there armed with good intentions and once again self-inflicted, complicated plan.

But here’s the thing about plans (complicated or not), life has a way of throwing curveballs. Which brings me to one of the most ICONIC scenes from Yellowstone that’s been stuck in my head as I think about both personal resolutions and business goals for 2025.

If you’re not familiar with the ICONIC scene, Rip Wheeler, the loyal right-hand man of John Dutton, is asked what the plan is. His response? A simple, “The plan is… f*** it.” At first, it sounds like he’s giving up, but if you’ve watched the show, you know better. What Rip is really saying is that there’s no perfect plan. You can analyze, strategize, and overthink until the cows come home (see what I did there), but at some point, you must act, adapt, and get it done.

Let’s be honest, most New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re too rigid because that’s what we. We set grand expectations, then get discouraged the moment reality doesn’t align with the vision. Sound familiar? It’s the same in business. We craft detailed annual strategy plans, only to watch the business landscape shift, competitors pivot, or internal dynamics change.

So, how do we stay on track without abandoning our goals?

Here’s where I think Rip’s INCREDIBLE wisdom applies. We need to focus less on perfect plans and more on decisive, consistent action. My mantra for 2025? Simplify the plan, stay adaptable, and move forward…no matter what.

My Translation of “F*** It”

I'm Clarifying Priorities

I’m going to start by identifying one or two things that will have the biggest impact. In Yellowstone, the Dutton’s aren’t fighting to win every battle; they’re fighting to keep their ranch. In business, what’s your “ranch”? For me, it’s growing our channel partnerships and empowering my team achieve their performance goals, but more importantly to hit quarterly/yearly revenue metrics al while staying aligned with my companies long-term goals.

I’m Embracing Imperfection

I know I don’t and know I won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. I’m going to start with what I know, execute quickly, and be willing to adapt. In my role, I’ve learned that even the best-laid sales strategies require adjustments as market conditions shift.

I’m Taking Bold, Decisive Action

Rip’s “f*** it” isn’t about apathy, it’s about taking the reins (did it again) when the situation demands it. In 2025, I want my team to focus on being proactive rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

I’m going to Reflect, Adjust and Do it Again

A flexible plan doesn’t mean I’m leading or flying blind. I will regularly review what’s working and what’s not and get feedback from the team. Whether it’s a quarterly business review or a personal check-in, I’m going to hold myself and team accountable.

The Pasture Ahead?

For me, 2025 is a year of bold action. It’s about breaking big goals into manageable chunks, empowering my team to move forward without fear of failure, and staying focused on what matters most. If the plan doesn’t pan out? “Fuck it”! We will adjust and keep moving (only forward).

So, as you tackle your resolutions and business goals this year, remember Rip’s lesson: the perfect plan doesn’t exist. Just Simplify. Just Focus. Just Adapt. Just Execute.

Here’s to a successful, adaptable, and profitable 2025.

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Do me a favor and let me know your thoughts:

What’s your “ranch” this year? What strategies are you using to turn plans into action? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.