Navigating Life's Unknown Journey

Yesterday a former colleague and friend went off to Army basic training. At the age of 30 he made a significant decision to serve his country and fellow citizens. I was with him through this decision process that evolved over a 2-year period. For the next 6 months he’ll be enculturated and trained to lead soldiers. He left a path in the business world to engage an entirely new path in his third decade.? It made me contemplate how life is an unknown journey.

Think about your own personal path and the path your business is on today. Is it what you thought it would be? Are the goals you set 5 or 10 years ago achieved in the way you envisioned those goals would be achieved? My gut tells me that very few can answer that question positively. External forces act in unpredictable ways. Internal motivations change. Your ability to make decisions in the face of these unknown forces sets your new path.

Only you can make your dreams come true

Back in the ‘90s I had a weekly radio show in Los Angeles, yes pre-social media where everyone with a phone has a show, focused on self-determination tips mixed with awesome rock music. My tag line was “only you can make your dreams come true”. The focus was on making decisions based on personal goals, understanding that the path to those goals can wind all over the place. Wisdom enough to make good decisions takes many years of learning from questionable decisions. For those fortunate enough to have acquired wisdom you can stop reading.

Foundational Principles

Navigating around storms effectively requires a foundational destination. Deciding on that destination is crucial. Looking into your personal outcome establishes that foundation. I constantly hear that millennials and gen-z need purpose-driven work that aligns with their personal values and social causes. That’s great. If you know what those values and social causes are, and they are clearly and distinctly articulated. “Make the world a better place” doesn’t offer a path. Clarity in your principle(s) should be paramount. For me, my guiding principle has always been to “assist others in achieving their goals” this has always been my critical question when evaluating direction on a winding path. Will this decision align with my guiding principle. The result has been a career in management consulting with a focus on leading transformational change. My path to get there isn’t one that I would have ever plotted for myself, but each decision on the way to the goal was measured against the guiding principle.

Stay Ahead of The Airplane

When learning to fly an airplane new students tend to focus on what’s happening now. Experienced pilots think ahead of the now into the next set of tasks. Imagine if your pilot on a commercial flight is so busy talking to air traffic control that they don’t think far enough ahead to avoid a thunderstorm, oops, too late, lots of turbulence for mom and the kids.

Translating that to navigating life’s journey is to say that you need to look beyond the now when making decisions. Live in the moment but always look ahead to where you want to go.

Adaptability Is Key

Life's journey is rife with unexpected twists and turns, much like an airplane navigating through unpredictable weather. Adaptability becomes a crucial skill. The ability to pivot, to reassess and realign your path in response to changing circumstances, distinguishes those who merely survive from those who thrive. Just as a pilot must remain flexible and responsive to changing conditions, so too must you in your personal and professional life.

Learn from Setbacks

Setbacks and challenges are inevitable. It's how you respond to them that defines your journey. Each obstacle offers a learning opportunity, a chance to gain wisdom and resilience. Reflect on past decisions, both good and bad, to gather insights for future choices. Embrace failures as part of your growth process. They often provide the most profound lessons and pave the way for future successes.

Stay True to Your Vision

While flexibility is essential, so is having a clear vision. Your vision acts as your North Star, guiding you through uncertain times. It’s important to remain focused on your long-term goals, even as you adapt your strategies along the way. Periodically revisit and refine your vision to ensure it remains relevant and inspiring.

Build a Support System

Navigating life’s unknown journey is not something you have to do alone. Surround yourself with a support system of friends, mentors, and colleagues who can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective. Lean on them when faced with tough decisions or moments of doubt. Their support can be invaluable in helping you stay on course.

Embrace the Journey

Ultimately, life’s journey is as much about the process as it is about the destination. Embrace the experiences, both good and bad, and appreciate the growth that comes with them. Each step, each decision, and each challenge shapes who you are and prepares you for the future.

Navigating life’s unknown journey is a complex, yet deeply rewarding endeavor. By setting a clear vision, staying adaptable, learning from setbacks, and building a strong support system, you can chart a path that leads to fulfillment and success. Remember, the journey itself is filled with opportunities for growth and discovery. Enjoy the ride.