No Plan Survives First Contact

Monday Security Memo

Intellectual Firepower for Professionals

No Plan Survives First Contact

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

- Mike Tyson

Dear A,

In 1871, Prussian field marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder stated, "One cannot be at all sure that any operational plan will survive the first encounter with the main body of the enemy." Over time, that phrase has been simplified by the military into, "No plan survives contact with the enemy.” It’s one of those quotes that sticks because it’s so true - not just for war, but for business, sports, and life itself.

Without a doubt, plans are important. You wouldn’t start a business, coach a team, or train for a marathon without some kind of roadmap. But Moltke reminds us that the world is messy. The moment you “make contact”, whether that’s with competitors, opponents, or just life throwing you a curveball, your perfect plan is going to get tested.

And that’s where flexibility comes in.

In business, the best leaders aren’t the ones who follow a plan to the letter no matter what. They’re the ones who recognize when the market shifts, when customer needs change, and when it’s time to pivot.

In sports, the great coaches make halftime adjustments. They watch what’s happening on the field and change the game plan on the fly. The ability to pivot - not the original plan - is often what wins championships.

And in life? We all have plans: career goals, family dreams, personal milestones. But life doesn’t always cooperate. There are job losses, illnesses, surprise opportunities, and setbacks. The people who thrive are the ones who can adjust, stay focused on the end goal, and keep moving forward.

Darwin had it right. You cannot live in the past and be adverse to altering your plans. At some point, we all must either adapt or die.

So, yes, make plans. Get clear on what you want. But hold those plans loosely. Think of them as a compass, not a set of railroad tracks. A good plan gives you direction, but it shouldn’t lock you in.

Moltke’s wisdom is a good reminder: success isn’t about sticking to your plan no matter what... it’s about winning the campaign. And to do that, you have to be willing to adapt when the situation changes.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Luke Bencie