365 Project - Day 122

Day 122

I originally shot a nature image for today, but at the last minute I decided to go in a completely different direction. The above shot is of a JR & Subway Rail map for Osaka, Japan and text that I wrote out in Japanese. The text says 'I have a dream'. The reason it's being shot on the map is it's a reminder that a dream without a plan might get you to a destination but with a lot of wasted time and money.

For example, let say you have just landed in Osaka Kensai Airport (which is my favorite airport in Japan) and were told to go to Kita-Senri, Osaka. Waiting at a specific address in Kita-Senri is everything you need to make your career 100% successful, you just need to find it. Along the way to will learn the skills that will move you in the proper direction as well as prepare you achieve that dream. Next, you are handed a map that is in Japanese, but the only problem is you cannot read Japanese. On the positive note, you have somewhat of an idea where Kita-Senri is, so you start taking train after train looking for your destination. Inadvertently, you get stuck in the Osaka Loop for a few hours. Now completely confused, you decided to go back to the airport where you started and try again fresh. Unfortunately you didn't know that Osaka had two airports, and you end up at the wrong one.

I could go on and on about the issues one could face trying to navigate in places they're not familiar with, but I think it's more important to shed light on ways to make it to your destination. First, research the 'unknowns' of the journey, read up on the subject, learn the terminology, the language, and the best tools to help you navigate your way. Next, know your destination and understand what are the key factors for knowing you have arrived. Once you know your destination, you can then document small goals leading up to your ultimate goal. Try to be a detailed as you need to be so you can monitor each step towards goals and measure your success. While I know there are plenty of other steps I can add, the last will be to Ask For Help. Seems simple, but too many people forget this step and try to get there on their own. Either because they are scared of what people might say or think, when they ask for help or they believe they know everything there is to know about getting to this new place, so they do not seek help or accept it.

Now, replace Kita-Senri with a job in a field that you are passionate about and the train lines with the growth and steps you need to reach you full potential at that destination. The train fare is your investment in yourself and studies that take you between each step. Each stop the train passes along the way are goals that you have to complete to move on to the next one. The people you ask along the way are mentors, friends, and family who will do their best to help you take the next needed step in the right location. And the map is your plan.

Now go find your map!
Enjoy.

Large version on flickr.

Ja mata,
Brian