In his classic novel Alice in Wonderland, author Lewis Carroll teaches an important principle through the character of the Cheshire Cat. Lost in the woods and faced with a crossroads, Alice asks the cat, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” In response, the cat says, “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.” When Alice says that it doesn’t really matter to her where she goes, as long as she goes somewhere, that cat replies, “Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go … you’re sure to [get somewhere], if only you walk long enough.”
This is one of the first conversations I try to have with my clients. Knowing where you want to be in a year from now - or two years, or beyond - is critical in determining your path today. It’s not uncommon for people to say something along the lines of, “Well, that’s kind of hard to say. I don’t know where the market’s going to be in 2 years.” But this isn’t about the market. This is about you, your life, your relationships, and your business. The market will do what the market will do. Your dealings within the market will still be defined by your goals.
With the new year upon us, now is a great time to take some time to reflect on where you want to go. What do you want your relationships to look like? How about a typical day in the office? Where do you want your business to be in two years? If you don’t have a clear destination in mind, you may end up like Alice – lost and at the mercy of the world around her. Take control of your life and your business. Set goals and determine your destination!
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
