Don’t arrive without experiencing the journey

We all have the tendency to keep our eyes on the goal, to focus on the end that we had envisioned. In most cases, we want to arrive at our destination early enough. I have had the opportunity to drive on Canada’s Highway 401 several times. I am one of those drivers that will max out the speed limit. What fascinates me is that I see many, like half of all vehicles on the highway, pass me. Then I wonder at what speed, and where on earth, they are going. Why the rush? What is so important? I realized that it is part of human nature to be in a hurry. We want to arrive quickly. Is that not the same way we handle many areas of life? Do we not want to graduate quickly, get rich quickly, marry quickly, get promoted quickly, succeed quickly, and make everything work quickly?
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The main shortfall of arriving at our destination quickly is that we miss the entire journey. We focus so much on the destination and, as such, we do not enjoy the adventure. However, life is a journey. It is not all about the destination but about how we experience the journey to the destination. Driving at a reckless speed on the highway would mean that you missed the beautiful landscape your car traversed as you progressed on your trip. You missed the sights, the trees, the flowers, the nice cars passing by and, sometimes, even the road signs that should have helped you avoid the police tickets. Instead of rushing through life, we can take time to enjoy every step of the way. Take time to enjoy your work, your family, your spouse, the growing years of your children, the time you spend in college and every aspect of your life.

Here is the reality. Most of us will get to the end of our lives just to realize that the achievements did not matter as much as the experience we had on the way to the achievements. The person you become and the encounters you have on your journey to success are more important than success itself. There is more to life than reaching a goal. The real experience is in the expedition. Don’t arrive without experiencing the journey.

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Actions for the week

1. It’s time to evaluate your journey. Are you enjoying it? Do you need to slow down to experience the best of your journey? You decide.
2. Determine to pay attention to the little things that come your way every day. Take the time to appreciate and enjoy your experience as you move on to success.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

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A quote to remember
“Life is a daring adventure towards an unknown future. Its beauty depends on how much you enjoy the journey.” ― Debasish Mridha

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books