Planning Like the Ant

Lauren Brockett
Jan 6
2 min read

Do you have big plans for your career—but no clear plan for how to get there?

You’re not alone. I work with job seekers every day who have vision, ambition, and drive—but no real strategy. Many end up applying to everything, hoping something sticks. That approach often leads to burnout, missed opportunities, and frustration.

There’s a better way to plan—even when you don’t have the full picture yet.

Take a Lesson From the Ant

In Scripture, wisdom doesn’t always come from grand leaders or complex systems. Sometimes, it comes from observing the smallest creatures. Ants work tirelessly, preparing for the future without constant supervision. Ants succeed because they prepare ahead—storing food, building wisely, and guiding others to resources.

Depending on the species, ant colonies can store enough food to sustain thousands of ants for several months, gathering supplies daily over weeks and months, often starting well before seasonal changes like winter or dry periods so they’re never caught unprepared. They don’t wait to panic. They prepare ahead of time—using what they have, when they have it.

That principle applies directly to your career.

You don’t need perfect clarity to start planning. You need intentional preparation.

📺 I break this down step by step in my YouTube video: Plan Like an Ant: How to Prepare for the Job You Haven’t Imagined Yet👉 (see video above)

Why “No Plan” Is Costing You Time

One of the biggest mistakes I see in job searches is the absence of a plan. When there’s no strategy, people:

Apply to roles that don’t align with their strengths
Waste time preparing for interviews they don’t actually want
Miss seasons where they had time, energy, or access they won’t always have

Planning doesn’t mean you have every answer. It means you’re preparing wisely for what’s ahead.

The 3 Areas You Must Plan (Even Without the Full Picture)

In Chapter 7 of Always Employed, I outline a blueprint for planning when the outcome isn’t fully clear. It starts with these three areas:

1. Plan Your Spiritual Foundation

Every physical outcome starts internally. Fear, doubt, and hesitation don’t just disappear on their own. You must intentionally cover the unseen areas that block progress—habits, mindset patterns, and spiritual resistance.

2. Plan Your Mental State

You cannot execute a plan you don’t believe you’re capable of completing. Building confidence, reframing negative self-talk, and reinforcing belief in your competence are non-negotiable in career growth.

3. Plan Your Schedule

A plan without dates is just a dream. Structure creates momentum. Putting your job search, learning, and rest on a calendar turns intention into action.

As Proverbs 24:27 reminds us:“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building a house.”