Leadership Thought #226 – Sometimes You Need to Recalculate
Be open to the need to recalculate even when you think your path is clear.
I often get into small arguments with my GPS. It tells me to go one way, and I go another. Occasionally, it’s because I know the better route, but often I want to go a different way or have changed my plans due to traffic. After reminding me several times that I am not following the preferred route, the navigation system eventually recalculates the directions to accommodate my choice. I’ve had numerous wonderful experiences in life by wandering off the beaten path or going against conventional wisdom. At times in life, we must adjust our plans according to changing circumstances or personal preferences.
I doubt many of us ended up in the exact place we thought we’d land as clear-eyed, confident high school or college graduates many years ago. We were so sure of ourselves back then about who we would become and what we’d accomplish. The path ahead was straightforward, and many of the major steps were already identified; then LIFE HAPPENED. All paths are crooked and bumpy at times. Just like the sea, smooth sailing won’t last forever. Your character will inevitably build over time (or not) as you navigate the rough waters and unforeseen obstacles. You will also discover beautiful passageways that you were previously unaware of and experience moments of spontaneous joy and self-assurance that will last a lifetime.
I’ve come to a point in my life where I fully appreciate that plans, while important, are general directions that offer guidance but not complete solutions. The key is to be flexible and adapt to your ever-changing circumstances. You will need to recalculate many times in your life, and sometimes there will be multiple occurrences each year. No matter how well you think you have things figured out, life will throw you a curveball that may be hard to hit. During these moments, you can either seize the opportunities for growth and/or reinvention or miss them.
The final objectives for all of us should be love, friendship, compassion, joy, personal growth, and self-fulfillment. We should believe that we have made the most of the opportunities presented to us. Our existence and effort should enhance the well-being of our small corner of the universe. Instead of succumbing to life’s vagaries and disappointments, we should embrace its challenges and ultimately be better off because of them.
Related articles
- “Recalculating” (vnixjourney.wordpress.com)
- All Who Wander Are Not Lost…But Some Are! (onewomanwalking.wordpress.com)
- Lessons in courage (writtenwings.wordpress.com)
- GPS your Best LIFE : My review (tillie49.wordpress.com)
- Life Doesn’t Come with an Instruction Book (footsoldiers4christ.wordpress.com)
