“Just go with the flow, man.” For some of us, that’s easier said than done. And is that even the right move?

I thrive in a structured environment. I have high expectations, for both myself and others. I have perfectionistic tendencies, don’t like surprises (good or bad), and write in my paper planner with an ink pen. 

These are not viewed as particularly ideal traits or habits in an ever-changing world, but listen: there are elements here that can be helpful. Alllow me to ascend a soapbox for a moment.

Facts: Rigidity is not the way. Trying desperately to control the uncontrollable is senseless and exhausting. 

But also: Basic structure, attention to detail, CARING about what you’re working on, having a plan, acknowledging the reality and challenges of working said plan, and keeping the Wite-Out tape handy are all incredibly useful in terms of tools and approach, at least in my experience.

It’s helpful to accept that there may be days when you have to buckle down and be more structured, even if it’s simply to find your way to your desk. Learning how to make a list and extract priorities from it changed my entire life, no joke. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. (More on this soon.)

The secret sauce is recognizing that sometimes things aren’t going to go according to plan, no matter how well you’ve planned it. Looking back at my own life, from my first marriage to my career, on to travel and current projects and my sometimes wildly disastrous adventures in food preparation, I have experienced the truth of that. It took me a minute, but I have found that you gotta be willing to pivot, and you cannot take a necessary detour as a personal affront. You don’t have to like change, but at least be ready for the possibility of it. 

What would happen if you acknowledged that the original outline was good, but there might actually be a better way? It’s perfectly fine to change course, alter plans, and be open to something better than you first envisioned.

I’ve been surprised to find that sometimes, veering off the originally intended path can bring the most rewarding, meaningful, and joyful circumstances. 

What if going with the flow isn’t the path to success? What if having a plan while also being open to change is what it takes to move mountains? It’s worth a shot, right? 

*steps down from soapbox*

*tips cap*

Okay, bye now. Off to climb a mountain.

(This message was not sponsored by Bic Wite-Out tape, but gosh it sure could’ve  been)