A thousand miles

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” - Lao Tzu. This timeless wisdom may seem obvious, but it’s profound. It identifies the goal—the thousand-mile journey—and acknowledges the starting point.

Today I have been thinking about entry into an industry or any sector and the significance of choosing a path, choosing your - one thousand miles-

There is often a strong inclination to try anything and everything just to get a foot in the door. However, I’ve realised that adopting this approach can sometimes prevent us from returning to our true passions, our ‘first love.’

Occasionally, people are fortunate enough to stumble upon a new and enduring love within the path they inadvertently embarked on. Yet, others continue along a certain trajectory because they believe it’s too late to turn back or the effort required to start over isn’t worth it in their estimation.

So, what should one do when entering the development sector or any industry, for that matter?

Firstly, educate yourself about the industry. I have yet to come across an industry with only one specialisation. Read extensively about the industry and carefully select the area that aligns best with your strengths, values, and priorities.

Next, actively seek opportunities within your areas of interest. Numerous organisations and institutions are constantly on the lookout for specific skill sets and talents. Begin your search in the direction of your goal, focusing on the areas that genuinely intrigue you.

Additionally, remain open to continuous learning. Regardless of the field or area you choose, there will always be new levels to aspire to. Embrace learning opportunities such as short courses, fellowships, and other professional development programs that can enhance your knowledge and skills.

Lastly, develop staying power. Throughout your journey, you may encounter alternative paths that appear more lucrative and tempting. You might want to jump ship or veer off in different directions. In these moments, always remember your “why” and do your best to stay committed to your chosen path. Every journey has its highs and lows; it’s part of the process. Also, something to have in mind is the fact that experience matters.

I hope you learned something useful today.

For more learning on development, you can check out the other posts.

Until Next time.