The book's story is as compelling as its content. After a series of life-altering events left her a divorced single mother, Olanow found herself questioning everything she once held true about her "picture-perfect" life. To cope, she began drawing her feelings and posting the illustrations on Instagram, chronicling her journey through shock, denial, self-pity, and towards self-empathy and forgiveness.
The phrase "I used to have a plan but life had other ideas" has become a popular meme and cultural phenomenon. It's often used to express frustration, disappointment, and even humor at the unexpected twists and turns that life takes. But what if we were to take this phrase and turn it into a mindset? What if, instead of resisting life's unpredictability, we were to learn to adapt and flow with its changes?
It’s okay to be sad that things didn’t go your way. Acknowledge the disappointment so it doesn't turn into bitterness. The book's story is as compelling as its content
Are you trying to navigate a (career, relationship, personal)? Tell me how to help you build your next step. Share public link
I still remember the day I had it all figured out. I was 25, fresh out of college, and had just landed my dream job at a prestigious marketing firm. My plan was to work my way up the corporate ladder, make a six-figure salary by 30, and be married with two kids by 35. I had a five-year plan, a ten-year plan, and even a twenty-year plan. I was in control, or so I thought. The phrase "I used to have a plan
When life inevitably throws a curveball—a sudden layoff, a health crisis, a breakup, or a global shift—the shock is not just from the event itself. The deeper pain comes from the grief of losing the future you had already visualized. Why You Can’t Find the Perfect "Shortcut" PDF
Her charming yet profound illustrations struck a chord with a rapidly growing audience. Within a year, her Instagram followers skyrocketed from 9,500 to an astonishing 157,000. Celebrities and tastemakers like Katie Couric, Jennifer Garner, and the founder of A Cup of Jo , Joanna Goddard, became fans, proving the universal resonance of her work. The book compiles 75-100 of these drawings and observations, bringing her soothing sensibility to an even wider audience. What if, instead of resisting life's unpredictability, we
I Used to Have a Plan: But Life Had Other Ideas is an illustrated memoir and self-help book by , first published by HarperCollins on December 29, 2020. Born from Olanow’s personal healing process after a divorce and a period of deep uncertainty, the book provides a visual roadmap for navigating life’s unexpected detours. Core Themes and Narrative Structure
If your goal was a specific job title, ask yourself what feeling or impact you were chasing.