Blazing Your Trail

“I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.”

-Daniel Boone

Blazing Your Trail

Have you ever found yourself feeling as if everyone around you is smarter, more interesting and move informed than you are?  I know there have been many occasions when I have felt that way.  As I’ve talked with people over the years it’s become clear to me that most of us have felt that way at one time or another.   When that happens it’s easy to feel as if you don’t have enough answers to move forward.

But, what we all need to know is that living a successful life isn’t about knowing everything there is to know.  It’s about continuing to blaze a trail forward in spite of the fact that you don’t know everything that’s ahead.

The difference between a trail blazer and everyone else is in the way they view their current position in relation to their future.  A trail blazer never thinks there is a possibility of being lost as long as they have their eye on the trail ahead.   They know that as long as they keep moving forward then there is nothing to fear.  They will eventually reach their goal.  The only way they will fail is if they stop.

Others, those who don’t live with a trail blazer approach, won’t take action until they’re assured that they’ll be able to reach their goals by following a certain, direct path.   This leads to a life lived in fear and the regret of lost opportunity.   They fail because are almost always living at a stop.

Those who live life at a stop will tell you that life is too precious to make mistakes.  But living such a life also means living its consequences.  Those consequences may mean that they never enjoy the feeling of joy that comes from experiencing a break through success.  And, perhaps more devastating, having to live a long life with feelings of inadequacy and the belief that things could have been different.

I’ve been asking myself the question, “What does a person need to do to believe that they deserve a seat at the table?” In other words, what will it take for you to believe that you’re as capable and deserving as those trail blazers that live seemingly bold, rewarding lives around you?   Here are steps to take that will help answer such questions.

Know that every person born has times in their life when they feel inadequate.  If you don’t believe that, just ask an admirable close friend if they have ever had such feelings.  When you do, you’ll find that the answer will be an astounding and universal yes.  Knowing you aren’t different will build a secure platform to support your next step.

Write down all of the things you’ve accomplished in your life.  It doesn’t matter what it is.  It doesn’t matter how small it is.  The key is to recognize that you are capable of accomplishment.

Next, write down the obstacles you over came to reach your goals.  Here is a small twist that will make this step even more effective.  Write down the surprises you ran in to as you worked toward your goal and make special note that you were not aware of them when you began down the trail to reach that goal.   This will help you see that you have the ability to succeed in the face of the unknown.

Finally, armed with the knowledge that you are capable, successful and can face the unknown to succeed you can move forward blazing new trails with a different perspective.  You don’t have to know everything.  You just have to know your destination and be willing to set off on the trail in order to succeed.