ARE YOU A PATH TAKER OR A PATH MAKER?

Have you ever met someone who sets a course in life based on how many others are doing the same thing?  Rather than identifying problems, investigating root causes and intentionally setting into motion the actions that would resolve issues in an individual and/or unique way, the path of least resistance is chosen as these individuals travel upon roads that others take and make “safe” (commonly acceptable) rather than “best” (based on fact and the potential of success rather than the opinion of others) decisions.  Perhaps it might be better (though possibly more difficult) to consistently and continuously “take the high road” in the way things are done and choose the path less traveled (rather than the path well worn) when making decisions – for being (and associating with) such individuals will invariably lead us to success.

Far too many people diminish their potential by following the crowd (doing what is “accepted and acceptable”) rather than following their own beliefs (which may not always be as tested or proven).  They seek popularity and being thought of as “part of a whole” rather than standing strong on their own values, judgments and decisions.  They choose to blend into the majority rather than accepting the criticism that standing alone often brings.  They tend to take things as they are than seeking what could be possible if established systems and familiar processes were to be challenged.  The “throng” tends to validate itself by thinking, “We are no different than anyone else – the same as all others with whom we associate – so what we do is, by majority consensus, right and acceptable,” rather than by believing, “We are all unique individuals whose potential is limited only by our own actions and behaviors.”  The attacks our society mounts against individuals seeking to make a difference through non-conventional methods or untested thoughts and processes are often enough to discourage all but the brave to forge their own path.  By homogenizing our unique characteristics into a single melting pot that can be universally accepted by all, “the many” seek to stifle the ability of all but a rare and outspoken few to make a difference in the world.  Allowing this to happen – either explicitly through participation or implicitly through acceptance – diminishes one’s ability to think, act and contribute in a meaningful way.

Following the crowd is easy as anyone can do what others accept, go where others go, act as others act and find a sense of community by blending in. Travelling familiar roads and doing things the way they have always been done can take the bumps and turns out of our journey BUT when we do things as they have always been done we can expect nothing more than has already been accomplished.  When we move forward by focusing upon where we have been and what we have done – or even on the paths that others have laid before us – we cannot truly see where we could be going or what might be accomplished.  While teaching our grandchildren to ride a bicycle I found myself telling them to “look where you are going rather than watching where you have been” as they always seemed to want to see how far they had gone rather than how far they might be able to still travel.  If one seeks to achieve success without falling – an axiom that should apply to all we say and do in life but is often abandoned as we seek acceptance and validation by others – we must be more interested in what could be than in what has been.   Only when we accept that much can come from seeking a different reality than that chosen by the crowd will we realize that loss can become gain, failure can breed success, and the decision to stop can be either the beginning of an end (accepting that what is will always be) OR the end of but a new beginning (failure is a detour rather than a dead end on the road to success) as something more will follow.  Followers of a crowd tend to accept the group’s destination as a place to land while those seeking to make an individual difference often build their future from the resting point accepted by others as being “good enough.”

Too many people seek acceptance from others rather than striving to earn their respect.  Too many parents seek to be friends with their children (and their acquaintances) rather than trying to be role models.  Too many teachers want to be “liked” by their students rather than viewed as being “tough but fair.”  Too many of our political leaders make decisions based on polls that measure what the majority think they should do rather than doing what might negatively impact the majority IF a decision or course of action is best for the values (and sustainability) of our nation.  When forging a path using our personal strengths, values and character we tend to invest more into all that we say, do and accomplish.  Our actions become us and we become our actions – our legacy is built upon the expressed and visible actions that others see rather than upon what they might think we should be or what we might express while trying to blend in with the crowd.

What kind of transformations might take place in our lives if more decisions were made (and courses of action taken) driven by “rather than…” thinking?  What might YOU be able to accomplish – what potential might you be able to realize – were you to “march to your own drummer” and forge your own path rather than listening to (and following) the music made by others?  You will know (and be able to realize) your true potential ONLY should you choose to accept the risk (and productively harvest the opportunity) that individuality brings – leaving behind the comfort, support and (often) false security that being “one of the crowd” provides. Only those choosing to be path makers rather than path takers can truly rise to the top.  Though the path is not easy and rarely direct, the rewards of innovation, individuality and intentional risk-taking will always be greater than the consolation prize offered to followers by an appreciative crowd (no matter how giving, accepting or convincing the crowd might be).