Do Not Follow the GPS!

A big part of failing your way to success is jumping off the cliff when everybody with more experience, education, and sense says, “No!” Waiting to get started until the route is mapped out and the perfect plan is in place is one of the surest ways to fail. It’s just as important, however, to be aware of the situation around you and respond accordingly. Sometimes, backing up and taking a different road is the quickest way to reach the goal.

One of our Second Shooters posted a news clip on the Second Shot Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/secondshot) and asked for the group’s second shot on the story. The video shows an eighteen-wheeler inching up a steep hill on a narrow road near California’s Mendocino Valley. The trailer starts to tilt when the load shifts, and soon the entire truck tumbles off the highway into the valley below. Thankfully, the driver was okay.

Because the hill is steep, the curves are sharp and that stretch of highway is under construction, it is restricted to rigs less than thirty-nine feet long. According to our Second Shooter, who lives in the area, three different signs warn drivers of the coming danger and instruct them to take an alternate route. Two of the signs even have flashing lights! And yet, a big truck rolling off the road or sliding back down that hill is a common occurrence.

Many of the drivers who find themselves in trouble on State Route 175, no doubt, have too much faith in their own abilities. Being confidant is good; it’s one of the things that pushes us to accomplish things others say can’t be done. Sometimes, however, it’s more important to be smart. Driving past three different warning signs (all directed specifically at you!) is never smart.

Other drivers gave a different reason for getting into a bad situation on the narrow road. They said they were just following the GPS. To be clear, just following the GPS is not a good reason to do anything, whether on the road or in life. It’s a weak excuse, and nothing more.

In the case of truck drivers continuing on a restricted route, flashing lights and warning signs are pretty good indications that trouble lies ahead. Like Bill Engvall said, said, “Here’s your sign.” A driver who ignores the signs on California State Route 175 is likely to cause trouble for everyone needing the road that day. In addition to being dangerous, it’s selfish and irresponsible.

The same principle applies in life. Everybody wants to be the hero who achieves the thing no one else can do. It’s a good trait shared by all great leaders. Another is knowing when to heed the warning signs and slow down or find a new route. Taking a chance with your own life, resources, and future is up to you. Carelessly putting others at risk is always the wrong choice.

To hear more about deciding when to jump or sit tight, pull up Episode 88 of the Second Shot podcast and join the Second Shot community at www.facebook.com/groups/secondshot. This week’s guest is television personality Jenny Anchondo. Find her at jennyanchondo.com, @JennyAnchondoTV on Twitter, and @jennyanchondo on Instagram.

Heath Oakes is a Senior Territory Sales Manager for Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company and the author of Ignorance on Fire: A Journey of Failing Your Way to Success. In addition to hosting Second Shot, he can be found on Twitter @heathoakes, Instagram @ignoranceonfire, and Facebook @Ignorance on Fire.