February 27, 2025
Enjoy the Journey Life is Not a Destination
Have you ever noticed that there are two types of travelers? The first type is focused on the destination, while the second type simply enjoys the journey itself. Of course, both types of travelers are looking forward to getting to their destination, but why not enjoy the journey on the way?
My husband is more of a destination-focused person. He wants to get to his destination as fast as possible without stopping to smell the roses along the way. In his mind, we can stop to smell the roses once we get to the destination.
I like to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Why not stop and visit a new place or check out the local food and scenic views?
I think of life, personal growth, and leadership development as journeys rather than a destination. We start out on a path, and then surprises happen. Life provides us with wrinkles and opportunities along the way.
A few years ago, I had a vivid dream in which I was deciding which job to take. I had several choices, and they were all positive opportunities for me.
In the dream, I had two paths to choose from. The first path was a lovely walkway filled with flowers and a lush landscape. It wound slowly through the woods and ended at a beach beside a calm blue sea.
The second path was through a barren landscape. I was barefoot and walking on stones and brush with thorns. This path was much shorter and ended up at the same beach along the same calm blue sea. In this scenario, my family was also there to walk alongside me as support.
In my dream, I chose the tougher path to follow. The path I would take for my next career move.
Even though this path was not as easy, it was full of opportunities for learning. For developing my leadership skills, and for personal growth. The tougher journey was worth it. I never regretted my choice.
If the destination was to be the same, why not go for learning and growth? Why shouldn’t you get out of your comfort zone and enjoy the journey? What you might experience along the way?
What you learn may surprise you.
During my career, I had a colleague who was like my husband. Their journey was all about the destination. One day, he announced that he was taking on a new position at another organization and that he was finally going to be a leader. We were in a meeting with our boss, and he wanted to let us know personally.
He was really excited about the role and that it was a leadership destination for him.
My boss and I caught each other’s eyes and smiled. We wished him well in his new endeavors and gave our complete support to him. Before he left, we also chidingly reminded him that he did not become a leader by getting a title. The title was not a leadership destination.
We reminded him that eadership is a lifelong journey, so don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
My coworker was a little confused at first, but I have every confidence that he learned more about the journey as he began his new job.
Having goals is important, as is knowing when you have achieved them and been successful. Those are more destination-type measures and aims.
Your destination should always be clear, like the beach along the calm blue sea that I dreamt of. And, the journey also matters. To learn from what you encounter along the way.
Be open to the opportunities that life throws at you. Be ready to build new skills and take on challenges that will help you grow as a person and as a leader.
What kind of traveler do you have a tendency to be?
Are you focused on the destination or someone who embraces the journey as well?
Keep those goals and the destination in mind. Define what success looks like for yourself.
But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
Stay curious and be open to being uncomfortable at times. Move outside your comfort zone and see what the trek provides for you.
It will not disappoint.
Love and Light,
Jackie
Visit our official website at www.deleaninstitute.com for more information on personal and leadership development. Share how you like to travel and your tips for enjoying the journey below.
