I have been in the same morning workout group since the birth of my youngest daughter, exactly twelve years ago. Over the years, it has been MORE than an exercise regimen. The group has provided motivation, friendship, and accountability that has provided structure and normalcy through the ebbs and flows of life. And the morning ritual has been even more meaningful and necessary during the uncertain times of this pandemic.
But a recent morning adventure introduced some chaos into the normally steady routine. We embarked from the Kensington Train Station in the pitch black and made our way down the steep grade toward the park. Instead of heading left, we decided to veer right down a new path into the darkness and the great unknown.
About 5 minutes into the run, I had no idea where we were headed. Were we halfway through or almost done? I was disoriented and it was so dark, I stepped off the winding trail several times as we snaked through the woods. With no bearings, I finally stopped and put my hands up in the air.
“Where the f. are we going?”, I muttered in frustration.
Within seconds, I connected with the rest of the group, powered through, and eventually found the illuminated path back to familiar ground. But that brief experience underscored an important point. We can’t always fly blind. We can’t always do it alone. Especially in times of uncertainty, we need to know which direction we are heading and how close we are to our destination.
Chart a Path and Communicate
In our professional lives, we can’t blindly head down a path without some idea where our career is headed. We need a plan to stay on the well-lit trails. In every sales situation, we have to orient our customers to the beginning, middle, and end of the process. If we want to hold their attention, our prospects need to know where we are taking them and where they are on the path. And every entrepreneur and leader needs to provide their employees and investors with a clear, marked path for each step of the journey.
It’s all about setting expectations. It’s all about mapping out a plan. It’s all about doing it together. The journey can take twists and turns. The light can vanish at any point. But we have to stay conscious of where we are on the path. And we have to communicate every step of the way.
Planning is Key
It is no different in our personal lives. Healthy relationships require a roadmap. We have to set expectations about roles and responsibilities and provide landmarks for each phase of the journey. And financial planning does not just happen. We have to set long-term goals and check in on how we doing against the overall plan. How much further do we have to go? No one wants to jog halfway down a lit path and then plunge into darkness.
We can’t anticipate every curve in the path. But the more we understand where we are and what we need to get there, the better we will able to stay motivated and finish strong!
Hope Fuels Our Resilience
Of course, life does not always cooperate with the best-laid plans of mice and men. Sometimes, it makes sense to stray off the path. Sometimes, we have to take risks and embrace the darkness. Sometimes, catapulting into the great unknown and carving our own path can offer a much-needed shot of adrenaline. Life is not always a paint-by-numbers exercise.
But in times of uncertainty, we need to find our bearings. When we are disoriented and disillusioned, we need to understand where we are in the journey. And that orientation and plan will give us hope. Resilience is a reservoir. When it is low, we need to simplify. We need to minimize negativity. We need to form a plan and find the right people to help us execute. And we need to know there is a well-lit path to rescue us from the darkness. That will fill our reservoir and fuel our resilience!
If you are wondering (out loud) where the f. you are going, don’t despair. Breathe easy and establish new goals along your journey. The path is often darkest before the light. And you will never run alone. When all else fails, your workout group will help guide you back to the successful and fulfilling path of your destiny.