We explore the performance of temporal orientation of management strategies during the 2000-2001 California energy crisis. We find that firms with a future management orientation outperformed those with a present focus, primarily through greater production flexibility enabled by prior investments in machinery. Our analysis highlights that future management orientation can not only enhance firm resilience but also significantly reduce costs during crises. Further, our findings underscore the importance of integrating forward-looking planning with operational flexibility to navigate turbulent periods successfully.