Creating Your Own Pathway Part 2

"Forget about trying to compete with someone else. Create your own pathways" 

–Herbie Hancock.

Last week I talked about 3 things we can do to create our own pathway to success and fulfillment. 

1. Embrace your uniqueness.

2. Pursue your passion.

3. Define your own success.

If you took time to answer the challenge questions, what did you learn about yourself? 

Let’s look at the next four keys to creating your own pathway to success and fulfillment.

Learn from others but avoid comparison: It's natural to learn from others and seek inspiration in their achievements. BUT, comparing yourself to others can be detrimental, leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy. Instead, focus on learning from others' experiences, both their good ones and their NOT so good ones. Let their mistakes and successes inform your own journey, not dictate it.

Embrace failure as part of the process: Not only am I a recovering “people pleaser” but a recovering “perfectionist.” What I am learning in this journey, called life is failure is an inevitable part of growth and learning. Rather than being discouraged by failure, I’m working to view it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Resilience and the ability to bounce back from failure are essential qualities that can lead all of us to greater heights.

Foster a growth mindset: My favorite tip! Because growth equals learning in my book. And I LOVE learning! A growth mindset emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to continuously evolve and improve as we create our own pathways. It encourages a willingness to learn, take on new challenges, and see failures as opportunities for growth. (There’s that word failures again)

Contribute positively to the world: As we create our own pathway, we have the opportunity to make a unique and positive impact on the world. Whether it's through our careers, creative pursuits, or personal relationships, we can contribute to the betterment of society in your distinct way. Leaving a lasting, positive legacy.

Last week was the Global Leadership Summit and one of the speakers, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. He said a lot of great stuff based on his book (which no, I’ve not read… yet). 

There was one thing that especially stuck with me, in light of Herbie Hancock’s quote. I’m trying to ask myself each morning:

How can I be 1% better today than I was yesterday? 

What about you? How can you be 1% better today, than yesterday?