I previously wrote about how a compass can be something metaphorically useful for introspection. If you’re interested in understanding how I arrived at this conclusion, take a read of that piece.
I previously suggested how it is important to establish a set of waypoints. You’ll do that ensure that you have opportunities to stop and reflect on your own personal progress journey.
The compass points you to the next waypoint based on its relative position to where you are. The compass doesn’t tell you where to go it simply points you in the right direction If you follow it with diligence and rigor then you will likely arrive at your next waypoint. Contrast a compass with a a GPS. They’re quite unalike. A GPS tells you the route to take and then recalculates the route if you bypass or avoid its own internal waypoints. Unfortunately there isn’t a GPS for life and living and especially not for career progression but it is an interesting tool nonetheless if you understand its limitations and constrictiveness.
So you are tasked with establishing your own waypoints, but it is easy to make missteps and head for a waypoint that is probably not going to help you get to your ideal destination. That can be as a result of a distraction, a deviation, an unexpected outcome. When that happens, you might need to do a reset and again, work out where you are and where you need to go next. Most important is that you shouldn’t be shy about asking for directions!
Also, avoid making excuses that suggest that waypoint setting or landmark identification is onerous, instead look at your strengths and work out where they align with realistic attainment.
Work out your core strengths, pleasures and the rationale for why you do or want to do something.
Finding a kindred spirit that has the same interests, or a peer that has similar circumstances or even a mentor; someone who you look up to, or admire, and who you view as successful in their craft or life, can help you to remain focused and purposeful. With a mentor, it is most important if you feel that you can learn something from that person. A grandparent, parent or family relative could also serve this role.
Off the beaten path
A “beaten path” refers to a route that is frequently traveled, but there is a potential other meaning to it. A beaten path is one where others have effectively chased away the wild beasts that could bite, attack or even kill you by beating the bushes, brush and jungle foliage.
While things are of course a lot less hazardous for most of us, the reality is that there is little risk and little hardship associated with following a frequently traveled path where all the hazards are known and neutralized. Is that really what you want to be doing?
You may actually want to consider introducing a little discomfort into your life if you think it will lead to a faster attainment of your waypoint or provide you with a better outcome. A little discomfort doesn’t need to be an altogether bad thing. Ultimately, if things don’t go quite as expected, you will always have your compass to get you back on track!
Some examples of taken a less traveled path or deviating, might be, engaging in something of interest, but which is not entirely aligned with your existing experience or skills. Partnering with someone and in turn learning how to collaborate and share some of the responsibility and releasing some control over all outcomes. Depending on your personality and the nature of the waypoint that you have in mind, any one or all of these could be very invigorating, test your patience and personal resiliency or forge entirely new skills for you.