The Path(s) You Choose

The Path(s) You Choose

Whether you are a photographer or not, the same holds true for all professions. Somewhere along the way someone created the expectation that the path on the left is how anyone’s path who “has it together” should look like. The idea that one would decide upon and just go straight towards a single set of life goals and never deviate or change course from an early age was what successful people do. Anything different meant that one couldn’t make up their mind or were just lazy or had no direction. The reality is the path on the left isn’t reality. So, it’s time for a reality check!

 

What‘s wrong with the path on the left is that it assumes you must choose a path early in life and then just power or force your way past life’s points of contention. Once you come to a decision on what you want to be when you grow up then heading towards a goal is fine. But before you reach that point – and it can be at any age – your path can and will vary as you explore paths that interest you. As JRR Tolkien said “All who wander are not lost.”

 

Never let what appears to be someone else’s path make you feel like your path is not as right as theirs. There is only one path that matters for you and that is the one you choose to take. You’ll always grow in a wider range of experiences and rewards by exploring options and trying them out. Never let your imagination be limited by your comfort zone. Challenge your comfort zone and you’ll find it grows larger and larger even when it feels like panic will stop you. Push through the panic and realize the only downside you face is the temporary fear.