Far too often, we lose focus of where we want to go because we simply can’t see our destination. Barriers block our view causing us to lose sight of our goals temporarily, and that causes for too many people to detour off a chosen path.
In reality, what really matters is knowing where we are going and what lies directly in front of us. What matters is the path we are on.
Handle the Steps Directly In Front Of You
When traveling along the correct path if we take care of the immediate steps, the ones we can see directly in front of us, then we will stay on track and move in the right direction.
It’s much like driving cross-country from California to New York in the dark. All you can see are twenty or so yards in front of you. You can see what your head lights show you. You follow the map and follow the signs, but the only way to get there is to drive those few yards at a time. Then the next few yards and so on. Barring no obstacles one will eventually arrive at their destination.
Have a Plan
Of course, one obstacle that can keep us from arriving at the destination is not having a plan. Developing a plan on how to get from point A to point B helps us pay attention to the signs around us. It helps us gauge where we are compared to where we want to be. Without that, we are not to very likely to get there.
So it is with life…
Those without a plan rarely arrive at the destination they really want to be.
Pay Attention to the Warning Signs
Another obstacle is the failure to pay attention to the warning signs. Following a road map or chosen path explicitly can also lead to devastating results
I recently heard a new story about a couple who blindly followed their new Mercedes GPS system and didn’t pay attention to the road signs. The sign read “road closed.” The couple drove their car off a washed out bridge. Apparently, they aren’t alone. There was a story last year in the Times of London that reported drivers were following their GPS directions right into a river.
Handle Distractions
Other obstacles are the distractions. It’s easy to get distracted by the scenery around us and detour off our chosen path. Having a firm destination helps us handle the distractions that may arise.
A missile will not head straight to its target. It is constantly making adjustments as it travels through the air to its destination. It has an internal guidance system that guides it towards its destination. An internal guidance system allows us to stay focused on the path before us but still allows us to know what our destination is.
A traditional Zen tale reminds us of how we can lose sight of the path by focusing too much on the destination:
A young but earnest Zen student approached his teacher, and asked the Zen Master: “If I work very hard and diligent how long will it take for me to find Zen.”
The Master thought about this, then replied, “Ten years.”
The student then said, “But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast — How long then?”
Replied the Master, “Well, twenty years.”
“But, if I really, really work at it. How long then ?” asked the student.
“Thirty years,” replied the Master.
“But, I do not understand,” said the disappointed student. “At each time that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that?”
Replied the Master, “When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path.”
Some success coaches will tell us that keeping your eyes focused on the goal is important. Others teach us that the path we travel is most important. I say they are both important and that the trick is to keep a balance.
- You need a clear vision of where you are going so your mind knows the direction it is supposed to head.
- You need to set out on the path that will most likely get you there, and then adjust as necessary.
If you have paid attention to the signs around you, continue to take steps along your path, and have followed your plan (your roadmap) you will get to your destination!
I agree with you 100% Leisa. I think that in any endeavor, balance is always the hardest thing. We need to focus on the steps without wandering off the path. This might seem obvious, but it is often easier said than done. I also appreciated your zen illustration.
Leisa,
What a wonderful article. Very insightful. I love the new look and hopefully your stats will recover!
~ Claudia
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad you like the new look.
Actually my stats did improve. The stats I cited on Twitter I wanted to drop. Basically people are viewing twice as many pages as before and staying longer. So I’m good. I’m still waiting for Google to redirect some traffic to a post I moved. That is the part that is making me nervous.
~ Leisa
Jonathan,
Thanks for stopping by.
You are so right. That balance can be so difficult. I tend to hyper-focus and often hyper-focus so much that I lose that balance that can so enrich the journey.
~ Leisa