Great Work Quote #50: “Map out your future – but do it in pencil.”

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map - roadmap

“Map out your future – but do it in pencil. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip.”
~ Jon Bon Jovi

So it seems I have two (and maybe three) things in common with Jon Bon Jovi. The first is a love of maps. The second, we were both married in the same chapel in Las Vegas – and by the same Elvis. (Item number three is about bad hair days, which you’ll understand if you see any old Bon Jovi videos…)

This map captures something subtle and beautiful about the art of preparing for Great Work. Yes indeed, make a plan. (Find Your Great Work is nothing if not a workbook to help you create a plan). But once you have that plan, use it to guide and not to dictate.

Certainly for me, the detours I’ve taken have been among the most interesting things I’ve done, everything from working on a goat farm to falling in love with a Canadian.

And it’s been useful to know I’ve had a plan, and that I’m changing it.

The alternative seems to be to drift. That might be efficient at times, but it can get boring.

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2 Responses to “Great Work Quote #50: “Map out your future – but do it in pencil.””

  1. 1.
    Great Work Quote #50: “Map out your future – but do it in pencil.” / Things I Suck At « Chasing The Dream… said:

    [...] good at coming up with anything worth repeating.) Today’s tidbit of inspiration comes courtesy of The Great Work Blog. And it’s oh, so fabulous. And it makes me want to jump up and SING… which, incidentally, is [...]

  2. 2.
    Finding the Courage to Change Careers After 50 said:

    [...] it’s good to have a sense of direction, you don’t need a detailed roadmap. Routes change, detours happen. Sometimes it’s good to get off the main road and take the scenic [...]

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