The Perils of the Well-Worn Path

Share via:

well worn pathAlong with the certainty that there is no problem-free solution or strategy and the conviction that the x factor is found near the edge of the crowd (not the core), I am convinced that the well-worn path never arrives at a new destination.

Let me say that again. The well-worn path never arrives at a new destination. Stop and think for a moment about all that's wrapped up in that statement. There are several important ideas.

First, the well-worn (or familiar) path makes sense and it's clearly marked. It's logical! After all, a lot of people have walked this way. Why would they do that if it weren't the right way to go?

Second, the well-worn path looks safe (problem-free) and feels comfortable. There's not a lot of risk in it. It's even well lit and there are plenty of travel guides.

Third, there's really no mystery to where the well-worn path goes. It goes to the same place every time.

Why is this important? Why do you need this in your strategic toolkit? Elementary my dear Watson.

If you dream of going to a new place (150% connected)...you need to know going in that the well-worn path doesn't go there. If you dream of a arriving at a new place (where no one really stands alone)...you need to be looking for a different path. If you dream of transforming your community...find a path that takes you there. It won't be the well-worn path. It will take boldness. It will look scary.  There will be risks. But it takes a new path to arrive at a new destination.

If you dream of going to a new place (150% connected)...you need to know going in that the well-worn path doesn't go there. Share on X

As you're dreaming and planning what's next...don't wast time searching for problem-free. Keep looking near the edge for the x factor. And be careful of the well-worn path.

Image by Eustaquio Santimano

2 Comments

  1. LindaSN on April 10, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I’m new to this site. I absolutely love the articles. I’m learning as much if not more than all the books I’ve read on Small Groups. I’m incorporating using special events/holidays as a way to launch groups! Thank you for your insight!



  2. Anonymous on April 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    So glad to hear you’re finding the content helpful! Thanks for jumping in here, Linda! And be sure and let me know how the group launch goes!

    mark