If you google “five steps” you’ll find recipes for fight stressing, finding happiness, getting fit, staying sane and an even great sex!  We seem to live in a culture where increasingly people expect this kind of thing.  I have to say, this seems to be one of the less desirable imports from the US.  It seems to offer such  assurance; it says “These people know what they are doing!”  The other day, I was listening to a reported conversation of someone who had been of a course which would now allow them to go straight to the root of their clients woes.  I can almost guarantee that in a year’s time their teacher will have yet another ‘new improved’ module available which will ‘kill all known germs.’

In my experience, life and business are a journey.   Like all journeys one can only see to the next bend in the road.  There are always surprises, both good and bad; there are always things one can not control.  It is oft quoted in military circles that “No plan survives contact with the enemy”, and this is certainly true.  Does this mean that you needn’t plan?  Of course not!  What you do need is a system that frequently reviews if you are on track and if you need to change.  It is often helpful to have someone to talk things through with who can offer a different perspective, hence the rise in popularity of coaches and mentors.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”   Confucius

“It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed.”   Ram Dass

Resources:

• Three steps to heaven