The Other Path

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Listen to this short talk on how using this quote to break out of your shell could be good for you. Do you always rely on the sure thing? Do you always take that sure path? And then do you wonder how rewarding it could have been if you took that other path?

Transcript

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson As a manager in technology, I like to encourage innovation for those that I lead. Some of this innovative thinking is also related to entrepreneurial thinking. When I first heard this quote, I fell in love with it. In a world where we see so many people being influenced by others, It's almost rare to see people take a different path and be as unique as possible. I associate this quote with what I know about work and being innovative. If you think about all the famous innovative thinkers and how they've blazed through their industries, It's very rare that many people can achieve those same goals. With entrepreneurial thinking, We must think about the path we take. As said in this quote by Emerson, Don't just go where the path may lead. That's the easy path. That's the predictable path. And it sure can lead to some success by doing so. But if you want to stand out and distinguish yourself from the crowd, Don't take the same path that others may have taken. By doing so, It's like reinventing the wheel. Now you can still reinvent the wheel and be successful, But if you really want to stand out, Look at that other path. If you plan and set goals down this other path, You can really make an impact. I believe there is value in both, To go where the path may lead and also blaze a trail on a new path. I've been talking about work and entrepreneurial thinking, But this can really apply to everyday life as well. Think about this quote when you feel you're at a crossroads where if you go in one direction, That is safe. You'll probably be okay. But if you take the other path, The reward from pursuing this other path could be extraordinary. If you're also someone struggling with figuring out your purpose, This is a good quote to remember. I can do the same as most people and take the normal path and it will be okay. But could I feel like something is missing? Some kind of purpose that is not being fulfilled? That's where thinking about this other path might be for you. Take that path, Face those challenges, Accomplish those goals and fulfill your purpose. I always hear people say I want to leave my mark on the world and this is a way to do that. Here's something I heard someone say along these lines that relates to this quote as well. I thought about what you said, Building from the ground up, Starting new. All my life I've pursued the sure thing, The predictably obtainable. So it frightened me to think about going after something new, But it also excited me. Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson Thank you for listening.