Some signs are obvious and intentional. Others appear applicable but may just be a coincidence.
Deciphering the Signs
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?
Sailing the Storm
‘I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship’
Louisa May Alcott
We can learn to survive when the weather turns turbulent, or we can learn skills that will allow us to continue our journey and perhaps even use the storm’s force to our advantage.
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.
Supplies
How and when our resources arrive are not always in our control. How might we embrace that our plans and budgets are not fixed action steps? Rather, they might be our best guess on how we might continue our journey with the necessary supplies.
Framing
Our journey might benefit from the right framing. If we can provide context for the work we are doing, it might make sense to those looking to follow in our steps.
Remarkable and Memorable
When we put an artistic touch to an everyday item, we might make it remarkable and memorable. It might not be for everyone, but it will speak to a few.
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.
Subscriptions
What beliefs, actions, or groups do you subscribe to? Which subscriptions have you canceled over the years? Which groups/people believe we are subscribers even though we no longer pay attention? If we viewed our time and attention through the lens of a subscription model, it might affect how and where we focus.
All Prices Are Local
Just because another organization can raise more funds, charge less for its programs, or offer a greater impact does not mean the work you are doing in your community is diminished. High-profile events and big donations may gain headlines. Your ability to stay in the game is what endures. Over time, you will find that your cause’s story resonates at a different level than those meant to be flashed on jumbotrons.
What-if-concepts 