What do you want? Build a Plan. Execute.

Are you reading this site, this blog, dreaming of living the life of an expat (Philippines or elsewhere), but have no idea where to get started? Or, maybe you are a professional procrastinator. Or, maybe you struggle with ordering coffee in Starbucks?

I’ll give you that one; there’s too many options. Here’s an important safety tip: I’ve never ordered coffee in Starbucks—I don’t drink coffee. I occasionally drink tea, but really, it’s the Dr. Pepper flowing through my veins that keeps me alive at this point. Well, a few years ago that was true, these days, I’ve had to cut back.

Most people wander through life like a drunk Roomba: bumping into things, spinning in circles, and mistaking random motion for progress. If you’re tired of being in that club, good news — it’s painfully simple to escape. The formula is three steps long. It’s not easy, but it is simple.

Regardless of the reason why you haven’t acted yet, nothing will ever happen unless you decide what you want , build a realistic plan to accomplish that goal, and execute.

I remember being told something along these lines in middle school in health class while they were talking about making choices.

Yes, you may fail. I tell you, it is okay. Pick yourself up and try again.

1. Decide What You Want (Because No One Else Will Do It for You)

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if you don’t decide what you want, you’ll just end up doing what everyone else wants — your boss, your partner, your friends, or whatever loud clown happens to be nearby. “Figure out what you want” sounds profound, but it’s not magic. It just requires honesty and a little courage.

Ask yourself: • What do I actually want — not what I should want? • What am I willing to suffer for? • If my future depended on one decision today, what would it be?

If your answer is “I don’t know,” congratulations — you’re normal and boring. But keep digging. The only bad answer is pretending the question doesn’t matter.

2. Build a Plan (The Part Where You Stop Fantasizing)

Once you’ve picked a direction, you need a plan that isn’t just “work hard and pray.” Most people build plans the way toddlers build Lego towers — random pieces stacked until it collapses. Don’t be like them.

A real plan includes: • Clear milestones (what “done” actually looks like) • Timeframes (not “someday” or “later” — actual dates) • Required resources (skills, money, tools, people) • Constraints (your real-world limits… yes, you have some)

If your plan fits on a cocktail napkin, it’s probably trash. If it takes 300 pages, it’s also trash — now you’re just hiding from action behind “planning.” Aim for the middle: clarity without theatrics.

Talking about being realistic, a solid plan for setting up your new expat life overseas is going to take several years to plan and execute. I can almost guarantee you will have to course correct along the way. So, plan to periodically reevaluate the plan.

3. Execute (AKA: The Step Where 90% of People Quit)

Execution is where dreams go to die — usually murdered by procrastination, fear, laziness, or the need to “wait for the perfect moment.” Spoiler: there is no perfect moment. The perfect moment is whatever moment you finally stop making excuses.

Execution means: • Doing the unsexy, repetitive tasks • Showing up even when you’re not inspired • Treating your plan like a contract, not a suggestion • Adjusting when things go sideways (they will)

You don’t need motivation; you need discipline. Motivation is a toddler — excited one minute, crying the next. Discipline is the adult in the room.

The Magic Happens After You Start Doing the Work

Nobody gets clarity from thinking alone.

Clarity comes from movement.

The more you do, the more obvious the right next step becomes. And the faster you make mistakes, the faster you outgrow everyone still “figuring things out.”

Final Thought

You get one life. Maybe. Depends on your metaphysics. But in this one, at least, you don’t have infinite time. So decide what you want. Build a plan grounded in reality. Execute like you’re sick of your own excuses.

Because you should be.

One final note, never forget the important people in your life when planning your expat life.

Thinking of Moving to the Philippines? Get Reliable Guidance.

Online communities are helpful for general questions. For anything important, you still need accurate, professional, and updated information. E636 Expat Services helps foreigners with:

• Residency and long term visas
• Bank account opening
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• Retirement planning
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Book a consultation with E636 and start your journey the right way.

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