On track: Losing your way.
“I’m Lost.” This is something you would hear me say if you were driving with me somewhere in a new place. In the days before google maps and in-car navigation systems I would look at a map and get an idea of where I was heading and figure the rest out when I got there. What? Stop and ask for directions”; you say. “Not happening, I’ll figure it out.”
I remember arriving in London for the first time. When looking at the map, all the touristy things looked close and easy to navigate. Well, that’s what I thought until I came out of the underground station. What looked simple on the map suddenly became very complex, with noise, traffic, people, and towering buildings. I had lost my orientation by becoming overwhelmed by everything else around me. I was standing there wondering where I was and feeling lost.
Life’s plans are like a road map, we can get an idea of where we want to be and how to get there but can’t see is what it is. On our journey towards our plans, we can encounter distractions, interruptions, and roadblocks. This can cause us to be disillusioned, frustrated, and sometimes lost. It’s important when making plans to think about potential hinderances, blind spots and disruptions to or on our journey.
“Plans need to have contingencies and contingencies need to have plans”
Tony Fahkry; Self-empowerment Author, Expert Speaker and Coach, writes this about this in; “These 6 Powerful Ways Will Help You Overcome Obstacles And Reclaim Your Power”.
1. Distance Yourself from The Drama
When faced with an obstacle, emotions run high since you’re likely to react to the ensuing drama. Step back from the chaos and see the obstacle from a greater perspective.
2. Seek Out Necessary Resources
Often you may lack provisions, finances, strategies, or a key piece of knowledge to conquer your obstacle.
3. Gain Perspective
It can overwhelm you when an unforeseen obstacle emerges. To get caught up in the ensuing crisis redirects vital resources to make critical decisions. Gaining perspective helps you step away from the ‘noise’. You might seek help from others, talk to friends or loved ones who can offer a different assessment of your challenge.
4. Evaluate the Obstacle
Can something be done to overcome the obstacle now or does it require expert help? Consider it objectively as though you were seeing it for the first time. Use logic and sound judgement to avoid becoming emotionally enslaved to the task.
5. Stay Focused and Committed
Often an obstacle is not intended to weaken your actions. It is an invitation to get clear on the process to advance to the next stage. It is advising you to attend to a particular aspect now instead of the future when you have invested valuable time and energy.
6. Develop A Growth Mindset
In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success author Carol Dweck delves into two different mindsets required for success: Fixed or Growth mindsets. She provides a comprehensive foundation how to develop a Growth mindset, which is aspiring toward continuous improvement and building on your successes.
My 5 Learnings:
· Prepare more, when venturing into new places
· Stop and ask for help
· Consider what obstacles I might face on my journey
· A journey requires more than a road map
· Just ‘winging it’ isn’t a plan
Preparing for the unexpected helps us to deal with the unexpected when it happens, and avoid the feeling of not knowing where you are or feeling lost.
My 3 Questions for you:
· What plans do you have that are getting derailed?
· Who do you have around you that can help you get back on track?
· What are you learning from your disruption and how are you growing through it?
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” ― Benjamin Franklin
In all of life’s journeys we will face obstacles and challenges. Plan for these as much as you can, so when you do face them, they will be much easier to navigate and help you stay on track with your plan.
If you have something you have learnt from this blog, or if there is something you have questions about, please talk to me. I would be happy to chat with you.
Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”
