A Good Plan Today is Better than a Perfect Plan Tomorrow

by Kristina Karlsson

Hello friends,

As we step into a fresh new week, I want to share a thought that has been resonating deeply with me lately and which was the subject of this recent podcast episode. It comes from General George S. Patton, who once said:

“A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”

Those words carry so much truth. They’re a reminder that progress - not perfection - is what creates our dream life. Too often, we get stuck waiting. Waiting for the perfect time. Waiting for the ideal circumstances. Waiting for the flawless plan before we begin. But here’s the thing: your dream life doesn’t wait for perfect. It waits for you.

In this blog, I want to unpack what this quote means for us as dreamers, doers, and creators of our own lives. I’ll also share some practical ways you can apply this wisdom right now to start moving forward toward the life you want.

Progress Over Perfection

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that progress always matters more than perfection. Perfection is an illusion - it keeps us stalled, overthinking, and stuck in preparation mode. Progress, on the other hand, builds momentum. Every small step you take adds up, and over time, those steps create transformation.

So instead of waiting until everything is perfectly lined up, ask yourself: What small step can I take today? That step doesn’t have to be dramatic. It might be writing one page, making one phone call, or spending ten minutes brainstorming your next project. Each action, no matter how small, is a vote for the life you’re building.

Clarity Comes Through Action

Another powerful truth is this: clarity comes through action, not before it.

We often think we need to have everything figured out before we start. But real clarity doesn’t come from endless planning - it comes from doing. You only discover the right path by walking it.

For example, you might be dreaming about a new career direction or a big life change. You may not know exactly how it will look or whether it’s “the right” choice. But when you take one step forward - maybe volunteering, enrolling in a short course, or speaking with someone already in that field - you’ll learn so much more than you ever could by sitting still and waiting for certainty.

Designing Your Next 90 Days with Intention

Right now, inside my Dream Life Coaching program, we’re focusing on something I’m deeply passionate about: planning the next quarter with clarity and courage.

Imagine sitting down to design your next 90 days. Not from a place of pressure or hustle, but with intention and alignment. You create a plan that reflects your values, your dreams, and what truly matters most to you. Instead of reacting to whatever life throws your way, you proactively shape the weeks ahead.

This isn’t about creating a flawless blueprint. It’s about crafting a “good enough” plan that gives you focus and direction, while still leaving room for flexibility and joy. When you approach your quarter this way, you not only feel more grounded but also end the year with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me in September as we do this work together. You can find all the details here: Dream Life Coaching.

The Power of One Small Step

Even if you do nothing else today, here’s one action I encourage you to take: write down one small step you can take this week toward a dream that matters to you.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic. The power lies in showing yourself that you are moving forward. By taking action - any action - you signal to yourself that you’re committed, engaged, and choosing your dream life over delay.

Here’s a journaling prompt to help guide you:
If I could design the next 90 days to move me closer to my dream life, what would I focus on?

Don’t overthink it. Let it flow. Trust that the act of putting pen to paper will unlock new insights and possibilities.

Setting Yourself Up for a Strong Finish

We are now entering the last stretch of the year. The next quarter is your opportunity to set the tone for how you close out 2025. Imagine finishing the year not exhausted or burnt out, but proud, grounded, and aligned with your values. Imagine stepping into 2026 with clarity and momentum, ready for what’s next.

This is possible when you choose progress over perfection, when you take action now rather than waiting for the “perfect” time.

Five Key Insights from This Week’s Inspiration

1. Progress matters more than perfection. Small consistent steps are what move us forward.
2. Clarity is born from action. You don’t need all the answers before you begin - answers come through doing.
3. Your next 90 days shape your future. Planning intentionally helps you live proactively rather than reactively.
4. One step today is powerful. Even the smallest move creates momentum and reinforces your commitment.
5. The time is now. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Your dream life begins with what you choose to do today.

Final Thoughts

Your dream life doesn’t need a perfect plan tomorrow. It needs you - your energy, your heart, and your willingness to take one step today.

So this week, I encourage you to choose action over perfection. Create a plan that’s good enough. Write down your next step. And watch how those steps begin to add up to something extraordinary.

Remember: it all starts with a dream.

With love,

💛