Enjoy the Journey - Mentoring Monday 1.

One minute read.

It was a mild summers day and a very early start.

My alarm went off at 5 am, so I could get up and leave the family home for an extraordinarily busy day.

I knew this day would be challenging, as it included travelling 185 miles by car to Chester to present our Every Child Needs a Mentor programme to school leaders and back, then a 250 miles round trip, this time by train to Windsor Castle to meet with my peer leadership fellows at the Society of Leadership Fellows gathering.

The plan was to drive to Chester, then back to the office and to park up and catch three trains to Windsor. To achieve all of the above within the time, was tight but it was what I had committed to, so I had to make it work.

I arrived at Chester, got myself ready and greeted many professionals, etc. the presentation went well, and the work that we to improve student well-being, parental support and improving school results with mentoring was well received which was encouraging. Following the end, I wrapped up promptly, place all of our materials and equipment into the car and then I was off back to the Midlands to do the second leg of the journey. This is where the adventure begins!

On my way back, the SAT Nav was directing me to the opposite way than I arrived, and I was not sure what to do. In these instances, my Donna (my wife) would tell me to not to listen to that lady (we have got into many discussions about me listening to the SAT Nav lady over her), and in this instance, she could have been right! However, I did listen to the Sat Nav lady. Instead of going right where I came from I went left, which is why I am now writing this.

When I went left, I was directed up the A5 towards Wales and Oswestry. I was thinking what is going on; I need to go Sandwell, and this is not looking good! As I was driving, I was trying to stay positive while the time for my train was approaching on the Sat Nav. As I looked around I viewed some of the most beautiful scenery, I have seen in the UK. The trees, the valleys, the bridge on the A5 was fantastic, and I was wondering if this could be the reason, I came this way - the scenic route. Suddenly the next moment my hope came crashing down! I was now in doubt I would make it back in time to catch my train.

As I came to a halt, I looked and saw a huge tailback, a massive traffic jam for as far as the eye could see. My anxiety levels and worry peaked as this was not in the plan. All sorts of thoughts rushed through my mind, "I am going to miss my train", "I am going to be late", "What time will the next train be?", Were running through my mind. I still saw the scenery but, my mind was fixed on, am I going to arrive on time and the SAT Nav count down was counting down while I was stationary.

After around 30 mins, the traffic subsided, and I had a clear run, so I continued on my journey, as I was driving and now with less anxiety, I noticed something. I realised I was driving through the most magnificent scenery, which I was missing due to my fixation on my final destination. 

In a wider sense, I then thought if I was not enjoying the view of my life, my family, the youth of my children and the everyday living experiences because I was so focused on my professional endeavours, vision and mission. I then thought I am guilty of not enjoying the journey because of my pursuits which felt uncomfortable to admit.

Are you the same? Are you missing some of the most important things in life because you are drawn to the most urgent? The deadlines, the pressures and expectations from colleagues or your industry? Alternatively, are some of the pressures more self-inflicted because there is an OCD'ish obsession to be relentless and get everything done right. 

Are you missing those hours with your children and your wife or partner, because you are doing everything that you are doing for them but, in the meantime, you are sacrificing being with them? I understand that sacrifices have to be made but they also need to be managed, or we end up sacrificing what we do not want to sacrifice.

In conclusion, It is so important for us to enjoy the journey, the process and our meantime a long the way to the end goal. The end goals are never promised, and all we truly have is our now. 

I hope you have enjoyed your read.

Have a great day!

Herman