Drive the Plan, Drive the Business: Lessons from an 11-Day Road Trip

A few weeks ago, I returned from an 11-day road trip up the California coast to Portland, Oregon. My brother and I drove our vans, camped every night in California State Park campgrounds, explored Portland with our wives (who flew in for a wedding), and then drove the three-day journey back home. The trip went flawlessly.

No breakdowns. No missed reservations. No frantic last-minute scrambling. Just beautiful coastlines, redwoods, incredible campgrounds, and quality time with family.

But it didn’t “just happen.” It worked because we planned for it. We spent weeks preparing: getting our vans ready, booking campgrounds, mapping routes, deciding how we would communicate on the road, planning meals, and choosing where we’d take breaks along the way. That preparation gave us the freedom to fully enjoy the experience and it reminded me of how important operational planning is in business.

Running a successful company is a lot like planning a successful trip. Here’s what the road reminded me about building businesses that run smoothly and allows teams to thrive.

1. The Power of Planning

If we had just thrown our gear in the vans and hit the road, the trip would have been a mess. Campgrounds would have been full. Meals would have been last minute. We would have wasted hours figuring out where to stay each night.

Instead, we spent weeks planning the trip. We made sure our vehicles were road-ready. We booked every campsite 6 months ahead of time. We researched the best routes and built in realistic driving times. That structure created confidence and clarity, allowing us to relax and enjoy the journey.

Business Parallel: Too often, businesses operate without a clear plan. Teams scramble to react to problems instead of executing a strategy. Planning isn’t about rigidly scripting every detail; it’s about building a framework that allows your organization to move forward with purpose.

A good operational plan helps you anticipate challenges and opportunities. It ensures you’re not “driving blind,” hoping things work out. When your business has a clear roadmap, you and your team can focus on doing your best work.

2. Clear Communication is Non-Negotiable

My brother and I planned how we’d communicate before we left. We shared maps, set expectations about when we’d stop, and checked in regularly on the road with our CB Radios. That clarity helped us stay aligned and avoid unnecessary stress.

Business Parallel: In a company, clear communication is just as critical. Leaders need to ensure that goals, priorities, and processes are understood by everyone. When teams aren’t sure where the business is heading or how their role contributes, they waste energy on guesswork.

The best leaders over-communicate. They create systems and rhythms for communication so everyone is on the same page. Just like on a road trip, those check-ins make it easier to adapt when things inevitably change.

3. Choose Your Stops and Priorities

On our trip, we knew exactly which campgrounds we wanted to stay at, where we’d take breaks, and what we wanted to see in Portland. We didn’t overload the schedule, but we prioritized the stops that mattered most.

Business Parallel: Businesses need the same level of clarity about where they’re going. Milestones, KPIs, and defined priorities keep everyone focused. Without them, it’s easy to drift and chase distractions.

Knowing your “must-see stops” in business, your most critical initiatives and benchmarks, ensures your time and energy go toward what really matters.

4. Flexibility Within the Framework

Even with the best plan, the unexpected happens. We had to adjust a few times, traffic delays, small detours and longer drive days, but because the overall structure was solid, those changes didn’t derail us.

Business Parallel: Many leaders avoid planning because they fear it will make them inflexible. In reality, planning gives you the confidence and context to adapt when surprises occur.

A well-structured business plan is like a strong chassis on a van: it holds everything together, even when the terrain gets rough. It allows you to make adjustments without losing sight of your destination.

5. The Result: A Refreshed Mindset

Because we planned so thoroughly, the trip didn’t feel stressful or chaotic. We came home refreshed and energized, rather than needing a vacation from our vacation.

Business Parallel: The same is true for your business. Strong operations and intentional planning create sustainability. They allow your team to perform at a high level without burning out.

When you have confidence in your plan, you can lead from a centered place. You’re not constantly reacting; you’re proactively moving toward your goals. That clarity is invigorating for you and for everyone you lead.

Final Reflection: Build Your Roadmap

The lesson from the road is simple: if you want your business to thrive, treat it like the most important trip you’ll ever take. Create a roadmap. Define the stops and priorities that matter most. Communicate clearly with your team. Build in flexibility.

When you invest time and energy in operations, you create space to lead. You build a business that moves forward with momentum, even when challenges arise.

Ask yourself: Does my business have the kind of plan that makes the journey smooth and rewarding? Or are we “winging it” and hoping for the best?

If you’re not sure, now is the time to put your operational roadmap in place. A well-planned business, like a well-planned trip, gets you where you want to go without the stress and detours.

Key Takeaways

• Planning isn’t restrictive; it creates freedom to enjoy the journey.

• Clear communication keeps everyone aligned and adaptable.

• Prioritizing milestones ensures energy is spent on what matters most.

• Flexibility is easier when the framework is strong.

• Great operations refresh leaders and teams rather than draining them.

Which of these lessons could you apply to your business this week?