After conducting a strategic planning session last weekend for one of my clients I had to drive from the client’s business to Boston. No big deal, right? Actually, there were a couple of problems with the drive. Number one, I’m from Texas so I hate driving in the northeast where drivers are apt to give you a “traffic finger” instead of a Texas wave of the hand. Secondly, I was driving in the middle of a snow storm. And did I mention I’m from Texas?
Needless to say, it was a bit nerve racking. Unfamiliar roads. Multiple highway changes. Inches of snow on the roads. Snowing while driving. Despite those obstacles (which I’m sure are no big deal to you snow birds), I quickly learned an important lesson: drive in the ruts. Once I got on the highways and was able to drive where others had gone, the maneuvering became much easier. It was more like driving in slush or even clear roads instead of snow and ice.
In life (both professionally and personally) we often say “don’t get stuck in a rut.” How often have you heard that tired old saying? After my driving experience, I began to think maybe ruts aren’t all that bad. In fact, there are probably times when driving in a rut personally or professionally might help you. Here are two examples:
- During a crises—To me, that drive was a crises. I was stressed! There are times in life when you will be in a crisis at work or at home. If that’s the case, find some things you can do that you’ve done over and over again and don’t have to think about. We have routines at work and home. When we’re experiencing challenges, it’s not a bad thing just to do the basics (some call this “blocking and tackling). Do the basics in order to reduce the stress.
- During the unknown—At times during the drive, I really didn’t know where I was going. I was just hoping to end up at the airport. There are times in life when you won’t know where you are going personally or professionally; and that’s okay. In fact, not knowing every little detail about your life can be a good thing and cause you to stretch. This is also a perfect time to do what you do know (in other words, getting in those ruts).
I’m not suggesting you should do the same things over and over again. As you know, thinking huge is all about pushing yourself to do challenges you didn’t think were possible. However, there are times when doing the routine—or driving in the ruts—can actually help you.
Think Huge!
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