“I hate Plan B.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said this in a speech, and it hit me hard in the stomach during a time of doubts and vagueness. I knew exactly what he meant.
His message is clear: If you have a goal—go all in. No safety net. No compromises.
Sounds inspiring. And risky.
Then again, other voices plead: always have a backup plan. Anything else would be reckless.
I often think about these two different approaches. Looking back at my own path, I think both are right.
Here’s why: there’s a difference between these two. One is about Plan B, the other about Plan b.
The Capital B: A Real Anchor
Around 2014, after studying and working in different areas of design, I made a decision: I wanted to become a freelance illustrator.
That’s it, I thought. That’s my dream. That’s the plan.
While working on my portfolio, doubt crept in:
What if my illustrations aren’t good enough?
What if I don’t get clients?
What if I fail?
Building a Safety Net
Suddenly, I found myself building a Plan B alongside my dream:
I had years of experience designing T-shirt graphics for brands. I knew the pain points of this fast-paced business. So, I invested weeks developing a platform that would constantly provide fashion companies with high-quality designs for their collections.
I built the site and created dozens of graphics upfront. I was ready to reach out to my fashion contacts. The concept felt bulletproof, unlike almost any other business idea I’d ever had. But then truth hit:
I had absolutely no passion for this “solid” business plan.
Picturing myself churning out graphics, emulating styles, instead of diving into my own visual language—it felt like a nightmare.
Arnold’s Wake-Up Call
That’s the time I stumbled upon Arnold Schwarzenegger’s quote—and it changed something.
Instead of trying to win two games at the same time, I became radically protective of my time and energy. I doubled down on my dream. And within months, I had my first illustration commissions.
Looking back, my Plan B wasn’t a safety net at all.
It was an anchor—a heavy weight that drags you down, slowly, while you still feel like you’re standing tall. That’s what I had built for myself: a clever, reasonable, passionless trap.
So yes—I feel Arnold’s advice.
And I needed to hear it.
The Small b: A Smart Move
The plan with a b, however, is different.
It’s not a second dream.
It’s one of many paths within your Plan A.
As an illustrator, that might mean experimenting with new styles.
Or learning animation tools to expand services.
Or starting an online shop to sell prints.
These are plans a, b, c, d…
Not anchors, but moves that keep you moving.
Bottom Line
Plan A is a heart decision—listening to what you love and committing fully. There is no Plan B.
Plans a, b, c, d… are brain decisions—the strategic ones, the tactical side routes that make your plan A stronger. They support, strengthen, and protect your dream.
Let’s not confuse them. One is the fire. The other is the wood to keep it burning.
One is the fire. The other is the wood to keep it burning.