What If You Don't Need 5-Year Plan?

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Every time I used to hear that question, I’d cringe. It felt like a trap. How was I supposed to predict the exact shape of my life in five years when I was still figuring things out today?

As a coach, I now realize I wasn’t alone in this. Most of the people I work with hate that question too. They don’t have a neat answer, and they quietly assume that something must be wrong with them for not knowing. They imagine that everyone else has a detailed roadmap, a clear plan, a vision board on their bedroom wall. But the truth? Most people don’t. They just don’t say it out loud.

So what if the real problem isn’t our lack of answers, but the question itself?

Why are we still normalizing this rigid way of framing our future? Why do we feel pressure to compress our evolving desires, goals, and values into a tidy five-year timeline? For many, life doesn’t unfold in straight lines; it shifts, evolves, and responds to things we can’t foresee. And that’s not a failure. That’s being human.

A Compass, Not a Blueprint

This is how I approach my life now, and it’s how I support my clients as they navigate careers, relationships, relocations, and reinventions. A compass gives us a grounded sense of movement, even when the path ahead isn’t perfectly clear.

One client came to me recently in a bit of a spiral. She had just been asked the “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question in an interview, and froze. “I don’t know!” she said. “And I feel like I’m falling behind because I don’t have a plan like everyone else.”

But when we slowed down and explored what actually mattered to her, a different kind of clarity started to emerge. She realized she didn’t need a job title or a life timeline. What she really wanted was to live in a way that prioritized creative freedom, community, and helping others feel seen. That became her North Star, and suddenly, she had a compass to steer by.

What Is Your North Star?

At the heart of your compass is your North Star, your guiding vision. It’s not about job titles or where you live (though those may be part of it). It’s about the impact you want to make, the kind of life you want to lead, and how you want others to feel when they’re around you.

Some examples:

• I want to help communities feel more connected and seen.

• I want to live a life that prioritizes curiosity and continuous learning.

• I want to raise a family rooted in joy, respect, and emotional safety.

• I want to be a voice for justice and inclusion in my workplace.

Your North Star may shift subtly over time, but it gives you something to calibrate against when opportunities, decisions, or challenges arise.

What Makes Up Your Compass?

Your compass is built from the values and principles that guide your decisions. These aren’t buzzwords. They’re anchors that help you say yes to what matters and no to what doesn’t.

Some guiding values might include:

• Integrity: I act in alignment with my principles, even when it’s hard.

• Adventure: I seek experiences that expand my understanding of the world.

• Connection: I build relationships where I can be fully myself and support others.

• Creativity: I honor my ideas and make space for self-expression.

• Service: I contribute to something larger than myself.

When you’re living from your compass, it becomes easier to evaluate your choices:

Does this move me closer to my North Star?

Is this relationship honoring my values?

Start With Questions, Not Predictions

If you’re ready to ditch the five-year question, start with these instead:

• What do I want to be known for?

• How do I want to feel day-to-day?

• What kind of problems do I feel energized to solve?

• What would feel like a meaningful use of my time?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a direction.

Want Help Finding Yours?

If this resonates and you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready to reconnect with your own compass, I’d love to talk. Coaching can be a powerful space to explore your values, untangle the noise, and define your own version of a meaningful life.

Reach out to book a free intro call or send me a message. Let’s figure it out together.

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