If you’ve ever driven on a back road or in unfamiliar territory, you know a thing or two about the importance of anticipating the road ahead. On such journeys, we know to slow down and expect some challenges to our travel – winding roads, extra terrain, narrow passages, potholes, maybe even cattle crossing the road or a slow, unpassable vehicle in front of us. We know to make sure we’re all gassed up because gas stations will be fewer or that we might fall out of cell coverage. We keep alert, our eye on the vanishing point ahead so that we can anticipate the obstacles and curves ahead.
This is just the way of it. We aren’t surprised by the potholes… we just do our best to anticipate them.
These same principles are true in our journey forward in life. Perhaps you’ve set some goals and have some dreams for your road ahead. A job change? A new phase in your family? A move to a new location? Count on the fact that there WILL BE curves and challenges that will slow you down. We shouldn’t be surprised when we have to ease off the throttle and take that turn a little slower. The important thing is to anticipate these obstacles as they come so you don’t end up in a nasty accident! There ARE going to be crises that arise in our lives – challenges that will shake us. Some of those are things that outside of our control – things like the economy, personal finances, relationships, health, work, etc.
But, some of the obstacles ahead are challenges of our own making. Things like fear, guilt, and identity.
For example, maybe you feel guilty about making the change because of the people you might “let down” when the change affects them. Whether it’s a family member or co-worker, there’s a good chance that SOMEONE in your life will be disappointed as you set out on your new journey. Is the guilt of disappointing others holding you back?
Or maybe you’re just afraid that the obstacles will be too big. Perhaps you can’t see your way around that next, unfamiliar bend and you’re afraid you’ll get clobbered by an oncoming car! To quote Matt Mayberry in his post on the Entrepreneur site, “Fear itself, of course, is normal. When you set out to pursue your deepest desires and live a bold life, it’s completely natural for fear to creep in and scare you from time to time. What makes all the difference as to whether your fears paralyze you or catapult you to new heights depends on your reaction and response to the fear.”
And what about your identity? Perhaps you’ve always been known as the fourth-grade teacher at Elm Street Elementary. You’re known all around the district and affirmed for your gifts in that role. For 20 years, you have poured yourself into teaching kids and you really do believe it has been worth every moment to be a part of shaping young minds… and, yet, of late you feel a tug to try a new leg of the journey. To venture out in a fresh way and take a risk. Is your identity so wrapped up in your current role that you can’t move forward?
Yes, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. There’s no point in sugar-coating it. That’s why we call it a risk. Anytime there is change, there is a new challenge that arises. Of course, the good news is that you can shift the way that you perceive these challenges, and see them as opportunities and gifts for growth.
Afterall, where’s the fun in long stretches of the exact same terrain? Have you ever driven the highway across Kansas? Sure, it’s predictable. But when you’ve got a dream burning within, there’s something to be said for striking out – even if it means new territory and obstacles.
How can we help you anticipate the road ahead and prepare for those challenges?
