Tackle your mountain with alternative routes.
The path towards achieving a goal, or climbing a mountain, rarely follows a straight line. Life is unpredictable and unexpected events can render even the most thoroughly planned routes impassable. Sudden storms may wash away the path. We might sprain an ankle on loose rocks. Perceived setbacks are reminders that navigating a path up the mountain requires flexibility, creativity, and advice from a trusted guide.

Determined to get to the summit, we may decide on a route we believe is the only way up. However, when illness or injury threaten our efforts, we can remain determined to reach the top, but must be flexible to find other ways up that mountain. The new path might be more difficult or take more time, but if we remain open to new ideas, new paths to achieve our goal can be found.

Creativity can spark new ideas for getting up the mountain.  We may need new tools to help navigate the path. By trying new paths we might even discover skills we never knew we had.

Finally, when the path gets treacherous, all good mountaineers rely on guides. Relying on the expertise of others for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a brilliant navigation strategy.

Wherever you are on your own journey, remember that setbacks are to be expected. Remain open to new ideas and the help of others to navigate unexpected twists in your path.

Unexpected Detours