One or Seven Flights

Does our mindset change if our scheduled flight is delayed, depending on whether we are taking a short flight or embarking on an international itinerary that requires 7 flights to reach our destination? I have seen passengers deboard a delayed commuter flight because they were going to miss their meeting in the destination airport. I have also witnessed passengers who are going to miss a key connection continue their journey, knowing they will have to explore complicated alternative itineraries.

Our mindset is often influenced by both the proximity to our goal and the estimated timeline for reaching it. When we embark on an adventure with multiple phases, we might assume an infinite mindset. We will get there when we get there. When we plan a short-duration journey between two nearby locations, it is easier to adopt a fixed mindset in which the timeline is predictable and the destination feels visible from our starting point.

How might we remember that an infinite mindset might serve us well, even when our schedule and devices tell us we are running behind?

Legacy

What we leave behind after the project is over might say as much as what we accomplished while we were trying to achieve our goals.

Hiking in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy, World War I trenches, fortifications, and defensive strongholds are abundant. The amount of barbed wire strung across ridges and peaks is remarkable. Some of it is strategically embedded, while other strands seem to have slipped and tumbled to temporary resting spots.

How might we recognize that our success might get the headlines, but the legacy of our work may be judged by what we leave behind?

Pathways

When the pathway is smooth and well signed, it gives us reassurance that our route is viable. When it is hard to follow and there is a lack of signage, it can be discouraging. What type of experience are we trying to curate? If we want to create delight, it might be best to invest in a well-designed pathway. If we are seeking those who think and act differently, then a sketchy trail that causes moments of disappointment may ensure we attract the true adventurer.

Momentum

When has momentum provided you with the belief that you might be capable of achieving a higher level? When have you reached a finish line and had a moment of awe over the result? When has a person you admired shared feedback that your journey has been part of their inspiration?

We can wait for magical moments, or we can show up consistently and create the best version of ourselves. One of these strategies yields better, more consistent results.