I’ve entered the destination, selected ‘walk,’ picked the most appealing route, and
confidently tapped ‘Go.’ The screen shifts to show the path, the arrow points the way,
and off I stride only to realise I’m heading in the wrong direction. A brief, clumsy dance
ensues as I correct my bearings. This ritual has become all too familiar.
I like to think of myself as someone who knows their way around a map and compass.
I’ve navigated through all sorts of terrains, in every kind of weather, whether the sun
blazes overhead or the stars guide my way. Yet, when it comes to finding my way around
an unfamiliar city using Google Maps, I’m often thrown off course at least in those
crucial first steps.
The phone doesn’t orient the map to the reality in front of me. The map lacks the tactile
depth of terrain, the clear labeling of buildings, or the street names I need, unless I zoom in and lose the broader perspective. It’s like looking at a puzzle with pieces missing. I
know my destination, but I’m not always sure of the path. Life can be just like that,
offering us a choice.
We can stay where we are, gathering more information, gaining knowledge, waiting for
the stars to align before taking that first step, confident that we won’t appear lost or
foolish. Or we can embrace the uncertainty, acknowledging that while we don’t have the
full picture, we are equipped to adapt as new information comes our way. We can solve
problems as they arise, continuously learning, at least we’ll be moving, getting closer to
our destination when we want to be there, seizing the opportunities along the way.
The choice is ours; the risk is ours. What is that risk? That we might look foolish in front
of others! But the truth is, most people won’t even notice our struggle. If they do, they’ll
likely understand, empathise, maybe even offer support. Standing still, waiting for
everything to fall perfectly into place, might mean we never reach our goal at all.
So why not embrace the 70% solution? Have the confidence to take those first tentative
steps. Figure it out as you go and enjoy the journey. You’ll get there in the end.
Ross Wilson – Navigating Uncertainty & Choice \ Consistency Breeds Accuracy
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