“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Are you a yes or a no? It’s a simple question. Every day we’re faced with challenges, adventures, opportunities. Do you jump in with both feet— even if the path is totally new and the outcome completely unknown? Or do you shy await opting for the sure thing. If you want your life to be different than it is or if you want to achieve your dreams, you’re going to have to a blaze a new trail. The path will not be precut. You have to have the courage to head out into the world with no idea of what you’re going to find.
“The road to success is not a path you find… but a trail you blaze” Robert Brault
It won’t be easy. Blazing a new trail never is. When trying new things and taking new routes, you may get a little lost. There are moments you’ll feel stuck. You may stumble. You may go totally out of your way, but at least it’s your path. All of these things happened during my recent adventure snow shoeing to a frozen waterfall in Colorado. But unless I step up to the challenge, I’ll never raise the bar on what is possible. That’s why I say yes when others say no. It’s why I do what others don’t. Sure we were slipping and sliding down the mountain on our snow shoes and there were some serious risks, including mountain lions, cliffs and thin ice. But we knew that going in. We were prepared. Others may disapprove. You don’t need their permission.
“If it’s a clear path in front of you… it’s probably someone else’s.” Joseph Campbell
If you’re uncomfortable, you’re doing it right. If you’re out of breath, feeling an adrenaline rush and the beat of your heart… you’re right on track. Don’t follow someone else’s lead. You take the lead. Blaze a trail, don’t just follow one. The only thing you should be following is your gut and your sense of adventure. I’ll see you off the trail.
