Roadtrip Nation
Lesson 2 – Don’t Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Think about a place you travel, such as to and from school. Do you take the same route each time? Most people do. Below, draw the rout from memory and put in the landmarks, things of interest, or people you usually see along the route.
Key:
S = Start
E = End
P = Point of Interest
Now that you have mapped the route from memory, travel it again – but shift your perspective this time. Travel the route as if it’s the first time you’ve ever seen it. Look around like a tourist. Sometimes, if you really pay close attention, you realize your eyes follow patterns. Break those habits and look the opposite way.
With this perspective, what things did you miss when you drew the map from memory? Go back and add the new things in a different color pen or pencil.
Below, briefly write about three things you saw for the fist time that you didn’t notice before.
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Many leaders have told us to not become too comfortable in life. They caution that some people live like zombies and miss important opportunities. These opportunities could very well be the difference between the first route you drew and the things you added when looking at it with a new perspective. Reflect on this exercise and think about you own life. What might be missing? Are you looking out for all those things you are interested in, or do you think you might be ignoring some possible roads you could take in your life?
Think of an opportunity you have missed. Why do you think you missed that opportunity?
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In the future, how do you think you can learn from this experience and take advantage of opportunities when they arise?
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As you define your own road, see if you notice yourself falling asleep at the wheel in other aspects of your life. Practice waking yourself up, re-engaging in life, and staying in the driver’s seat.