***Different Paths, One Destination

Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.nn--Friedrich NietzschennThere are many paths to a single goal. There are those, however, who confuse a path with the goal. A goal is a destination, while a path is the means to get there. The water in a raging river has only one goal--to reach the sea. Whatever obstacles block its path will be overcome in one way or another. If the course carved out by the proceeding flow dams up, the river doesn't stop. It seeks and finds another course.nnWith all goals, you should remain flexible until you reach your destination. Your goal may be to make a lot of money. You might think that the best way for you to achieve that goal is to become a pop star. But what happens when stardom eludes you? You need to be flexible and change your approach. Perhaps there is a different path that will work better for you. Stay committed to your goal, but be creative about achieving it.nnChances are, if you carefully examine your decision to become, say, an engineer, you'll uncover key values, which can be satisfied even if you have to change your course. You may value the prestige and income associated with being an engineer, but you might lack the math skills. By reevaluating your goal, you may discover a profession that doesn't require the same level of math as engineering, but which may, in fact, offer an even greater level of prestige and income potential. Assuming that the new field matches your interests at least as well as engineering, you can change your path in pursuit of a new career and still reach your goal.nnWhile your situation will undoubtedly be more complex than this example, the principle remains the same. The underlying goal is more important than the path. Ask yourself: What are the key values underlying your goal? Can you think of more than one way of achieving your goal?nnChanging your path is never easy. Once you think you know where you're going and how to get there, the last thing you want is to encounter an impassable obstacle between you and your dreams. Going through the taxing process of personal assessment, goal clarification, and career research is draining. You may feel like you're compromising your dreams, but if you focus on the underlying goal, you'll discover that you can guide yourself through the confusion of change onto an even better path to achieving personal success.nnThe French philosopher Henri Bergson said, "To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating one's self endlessly." Change can't be avoided, and plans must remain flexible. Being focused on your goals is vital to success. When change brings chaos or distress into your life, reexamine your goals. Reframe the confusion and try to look at it as an opportunity to grow. You will endure. In fact, you may very well emerge from the time of transition with a more clearly defined goal and a better plan for realizing your dream.