Know Where You Are Going, to Get There

Let go of worrying how you’ll get there, and you’ll find you’re able to get back on track.

You’ve probably heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If it fits whatever it is you’re trying to do, let’s try something different. I’m not saying you should give up your goals or your resolutions. I’m asking you to give up the idea that you know how you will get to them.

You have to know what you want in order to get there; you have to set your sights on something. What you can’t predict or know is how you will get there. Even when a plane takes off on a scheduled flight, the pilot sets the course but weather or other conditions can almost instantly put the plane off track. Throughout the course of a six-hour flight, the pilot will make thousands of corrections in order to make the final destination.

Think about accomplishing your goals in the same way. When a pilot leaves New York, he doesn’t take off expecting to set the course and not have to adjust it. He’s expecting the unexpected to happen. He knows he will have to course-correct. You can do the same thing. Instead of setting a course and sticking to it (or not), make the course correction. Figure out what works for you to get from point A to point B.

What the pilot doesn’t do is land the plane as soon as it’s off course, and neither should you. Don’t land the plane on your goals or resolutions. You still know where you want to go. You might hit some turbulence, you might find yourself stalling or off course, but you can make an adjustment and keep going. Don’t get so caught up in how you will get to your final destination; figure it out on the fly. If you don’t stop yourself, who is going to stop you?

If you find yourself stuck or off course, here are a few ways you can shift your mindset moving forward:

1. Let go of expectations: Things happen. Life happens. Instead of being rigid with schedules, routines and ways of doing things, keep you goal in mind and change course. Be willing to change course, but don’t lose sight of the destination.

2. Keep moving forward: The only thing that can ultimately derail your resolutions is to stop moving forward. No matter what happens, you can reroute to get back on track. Decide what needs to be done next and then do it.

3. Compete: Unlock your competitive drive, not at your goal but at taking action each day. Compete against problems, to creatively solve any that might arise. Compete against any limiting beliefs that creep in when you find yourself off course—and remove them.

Getting to a destination is challenging. Let go of expectations, keep moving forward and compete. Before you know it, you will get to your destination.

Photo credit: Thinkstock, iStock, Manuel-F-O.