Direction is more important than speed.
When you’re heading in the right direction, every step you take is progress. If you’re going in the wrong direction, every step is counterproductive. So whether you’re going slow or fast, direction trumps speed. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Make sure that first step is in the right direction.
When making important decisions that have long-term implications (career move, major financial decision, long-term relationship), slow down and carefully evaluate your options before starting.
Movement is better than inactivity.
If you’re inordinately passive and/or you’re stuck, just start moving. Often, movement is better than inactivity, even if you’re not sure you’re going in the right direction. Several false starts will be better than doing nothing. And when you start moving but soon realize you’re heading in the wrong direction, you can change course. It’s difficult to steer a stationary bike.
Do you sense the tension between these two statements? One says “Don’t move until you know you’re going in the right direction.” The other says, “Stop being passive, just do something.”
Of course, correct direction and speed is optimum.
There is a scene in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland where Alice is talking to the Cheshire Cat, who is perched up in a tree. Alice is a bit confused about her direction, so she asks the cat:
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a great deal on where you want to go,” replies the Cheshire Cat.
“I don’t much care where,” says Alice.
To which the feline replies, “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”
Some people face the same predicament as Alice. They don’t really know which way they want to go in life, so they just wander aimlessly and soon become stagnant and stale, or, they don’t move at all.
Maintain a healthy balance between right direction and movement.
Great work Don!
Thanks, Brian.
Thank you Don. What a beautiful illustration of greed, the Tolstoy’s short story
Thanks, Mary, for responding. I enjoy short stories that say a lot.
“Maintain a healthy balance between right direction and movement.” Most times, I think that right direction will critically outweigh movement. E.g. I can make a reasonable, productive to-do list involving people interactions, as well as household tasks and details. However, my husband with early Parkinson’s requires many helps from me throughout a day. (Meals, snacks, typing and discussing his Bible lessons with him, accompany him to dr. appointments, etc.) Many days, I complete only one item on “my” list. My current “direction” seems to be to serve God in myriad little tasks He presents, but mostly serve Him by caring for my husband’s needs. Many days, I feel pulled down by lack of “movement.” The Lord knows I need His prods to contentment and numbering great blessings, along with being creative about “movement” goals (perhaps what Tolstoy’s peasant needed). God’s “still, small voice” is gentle, but sure and constant. For me just now, perhaps the balance called for is in perspective. Thanks for prodding good thoughts.
Sharon, I am deeply touched by your unselfish life. Your devotion to your husband is exemplary. Thank you for serving him, often to your own neglect. God must be very pleased with you. Don
Thanks for encouraging. Each day is different, with either simple joys or unexpected challenges. Always, “new mercies” (especially when I pay attention).