At some point in time in our lives we all find ourselves at a point of indecision. This may be because there are so many choices that we feel paralyzed. When we are caught in this type of situation we are standing at a place I call the crossroads. In travel the crossroads are a point where several roads converge at the same location. When you approach the crossroads you are placed in the position to choose. Even if you know where you are going you have to choose which road to take. One road might be better paved than another. One road may be up hill and the other down. Not all roads will take you to the desired location.
If you have traveled the road before and know where you are going the choice will be easy to make. More than likely you will make a quick decision and move forward. What happens if you know where you want to go, but have never been there before? You may be stuck at the crossroads. This is the time you need more information to make a choice. What steps should you take to feel more confident about making a decision?
You may want to consider asking for help or directions. After all if you had more information you might be able to make a better decision than just guessing which road to take. Remember not making a decision is a choice but you will not progress and be stuck standing at the crossroads forever. You want to make sure that you do not ask just anyone for help and direction. You ideally want to ask someone who has experience or who has traveled on the same journey that you are currently on.
Being willing to ask for help, direction or instructions are vital to improving the opportunity for you to arrive at your desired destination when you are at the crossroads. This means that you will not only listen, but take notes and ask questions especially when there are directions or instructions which are not clear to you. You might consider repeating the instructions aloud to the person advising you to ensure that you both agree that you understand.
Then there is the most perplexing question of all, what happens when you are not sure of your destination and you approach the crossroads? This is reason to give you pause. A wise person once said, “If you are not sure where you are going then any direction will do.” That sounds funny but it is true. Before you take your next step you need to take a good look at where you have been. This will provide you with the information where are you prepared to go. If you want to speed up the process speak to someone who can help you process the information about your past and help reveal what your future desired location should be.
In essence the crossroads are a metaphor for decisions in our lives that have us stuck, frozen in time and we are reluctant to ask for help. When you find yourself standing at the crossroads I recommend that you get a coach. Almost anyone who is or has been successful has a coach. Why, because we do not become successful alone. There are a number of people throughout our lives guiding us down the road to our desired destination. When you receive instructions from someone with experience or who has traveled down this road before your learning curve is reduced. You are more productive and will arrive at your desired destination in a shorter period of time.
Why not consider hiring a coach or speaking to someone who is an expert in the area that you desire to pursue. You will feel more fulfilled; less stressed and no longer stuck standing at the crossroads.
Prior to participating in blog challenges, I would dither over which road to take. I didn’t know who to ask. Now I know there are many kind, experienced people on the web willing and able to offer suggestions. No more dithering necessary. Sweet! Thank you for this post.
Karen Wilson Wehrle´s last blog post ..Home Business Blog–How to Build Business Relationships FAST!
Interesting post, Kevin. I’m going to add my opinion here. 🙂 While getting tips from others and being willing to listen to their ideas can be helpful, I believe there is no one right way for everyone. Coaches can assist in asking questions that serve to help us find our way. There are many choices but I do know that the road I take is mine. The path traveled by someone else is not always the right path for everyone. That’s the beauty of diversity! What works for me is doing the internal work necessary to be able to listen to the advice and instinctively KNOW that it is the right one for me. If I get stuck, coaches are wonderful motivators to help me ask myself new questions that help me determine the best path for me. But it may not be the same path that someone else has traveled at all. Happy exploring! 🙂
Barbara´s last blog post ..Father Knows Best: Memories of My Dad
Hi Karen,
It is a blessing to meet so many nice and knowledgeable people through the blog challenge. Thank you for being one and offering your comments to the post.
All the best,
Kevin
Hi Barbara,
I believe we are in agreement. In life there are so many roads that one can take to arrive at their desired destination. The decision lies with the individual and their desire for themselves in the journey. Having the insight of someone who traveled the journey you are on provides insight to you and gives you an idea what to expect.
Will your experience be exactly the same as theirs? More than likely not, but having the information regarding their experience allows you to make an informed decision as opposed to traveling down the same road blind. Avoiding the pot holes is my recommendation when you travel the roads of life. Having a mentor, coach, adviser who is honest, trust worthy and focused on your success can be key partners to help you make the decision at the crossroads.
Thanks so much for you comments.
All the best,
Kevin