While hiking in the hills near our mountain cabin one day, I realized that I was looking down at each step. The terrain was unlevel, full of brush, rocks, critter holes, and other obstacles. In a moment of realization, I stopped and looked out in front of me. I realized that, for several minutes, I was not looking at where my walking was taking me.
Our jobs and our careers are like a hike on uneven ground. We make small and large decisions, interact with people, often only in the moment, without pausing to look up to see where these daily activities are taking our careers. When working only in the moment, we are surrendering control of our careers to others and to chance, rather than taking the reins and going where we want.
Like walking or hiking, it’s essential to make good in the moment decisions, but we must occasionally stop to see where our steps are taking us, and change direction when needed.
Also, remember to stop and enjoy the view.
Peter H. Gregory 