Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to be a part of several different journeys -- ranging far and wide. Some included personal development, some included fitness-oriented goals, and some include professional-goal setting.
When it comes to the goal - no matter the discipline, my job is to always advise the athlete/client/friend to seek the information within themselves. Let's be honest here: it's 2019. All the books with the advice of "how to lead better", "how to gain 20lbs of lean muscle while ingesting 17 calories a day", and "do you want to be a Navy SEAL? Here are the three things you have to do" have been written - there's truly no shortage there.
In those circumstances, you'll find that the recommendations are often extremes (i.e. don't do this, you absolutely have to do this, etc). The truth of the matter is that these things may serve you purpose, but often time, the compromise outweighs the benefits.
My challenge for you (and one offered to me through one of the best leaders that I've ever worked for -- @jennyrammm on Instagram, y'all) is to live in the in-between. Some know this to be the gray area (grey, if you're Canadian).
There are some tangible steps to perform at this level -- for the sake of context, we'll name them "challenges". Probably because they're just that... challenging. You can incorporate them. Or don't. Or do some and not others. #grayarea
1) Find a way to simultaneously hold opposing truths.
Example: Susan got the promotion, I was passed up. I am happy for Susan and disappointed that I didn't get the job -- some know this to be the "yes, and..." method.
2) Realize that the road to (insert end-goal here) is the best part.
Example: What if I told you that your primary care physician cheated his/her way through college, medical school, and residency? Would you still trust somebody that was so set on getting there that they bulldozed their way through the foundations?
3) Obsess over the journey and own the results, no matter the outcome.
Example: I failed an exam. I studied the study guide, E-X-T-E-N-S-I-V-E-L-Y. I should have just mastered the whole chapter instead of looking for shortcuts... dang - my bad - I'll get 'em next time.
As always, take what you need and leave what you don't.
DW