An Object In Motion....

Trajectory is defined as the path that a moving object follows through space. Several variables dictate the trajectory of an object such as point of origin, destination, thrust, external forces, etc. Trajectory provides us a metaphor than can be applied to life and career.  Consider the following:

1. Trajectory is predictable. Just like NASA engineers can predict and manipulate a rocket to drop a rover on Mars, you can predict your own trajectory if you’re willing to take the time and energy to do it. You can’t always predict what external forces will come and when, but you can predict what they could be and be prepared to compensate for them. 
2. Evaluate your current Trajectory by evaluating your Story. There are basic components of all stories. What is the setting? Who are the characters? What conflicts exist and what are the resolutions to those conflicts? Take some time to get to know yourself and you’ll quickly identify common themes and practices that determine the trajectory of your life. All of us have a story that undoubtedly comes with struggles and victories, joy and pain.  We have relationships that are meaningful and those that have been broken.  We’ve learned valuable lessons and have hopefully added value to those around us. Consider all of that and then create an honest assessment of who you are, where you’ve been, and what you have to offer the world. This is more difficult than you might imagine and may involve accepting painful realities about your own personal tendencies.  At the same time, you’ll find that you have something to offer.  And what you have to offer doesn’t have to be grandiose or be measured materially. Sometimes the best thing you can offer is a listening ear or a voice of reason to another person. Be okay with that. 
3. What is your desired destination? For many of us, we don’t fully understand where we’re really trying to go with life.  We have a vague image like “I just want to make a difference” or “I’d like to be rich”. Those are not destinations but are simply the potential side effects of pursuing a destination.  For example, the goal of the Mars rover program is not to get to Mars, but to land a rover on Mars and gather useful data.  Ask yourself what you are really trying to accomplish instead of just what are you trying to get. 
4. To alter your trajectory you must alter your story. This is a lesson I’ve had to learn  and apply first hand.  As I look back at my story there are significant things that I’ve had to change and things I’m still changing.  First, I had to change the setting. There were relationships and circumstances that I had to separate from. Second, I had to change a major tendency in my life. My story was one built around approval. I wasn’t really looking what I could do for anyone else, but instead was focused on how I could get everyone to be impressed by me. The more I earned and bought, the more accepted I would be.  Eventually that world crashed and I had alter my trajectory. I changed my story by changing my belief. I’ve since embraced that fact that true success begins with learning how to be grateful and continues by authentically looking for how you can add value to the world around you. The most painful question I’ve ever asked myself was: Rob, are you necessary?  Perhaps you’re at that point as well, and that’s okay. Just be honest with yourself and commit to doing something about it. 
5. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to alter trajectory.  Think about New Years resolutions. Most people fail at seeing them through because they don’t appreciate how hard it is to change trajectory. Consider the classic resolution of losing weight. It takes a tremendous commitment, which is why everyone looks for the quick solution or magic drug. Being overweight is usually a symptom of behavior. Even if you do find a magic solution, the moment you stop using it the weight comes back because you haven’t expelled the energy required to alter the behavioral trajectory. Laziness and unhealthy eating habits must be replaced by diet and exercise.  If you’re honest about your trajectory, and you want it to change, then you have to change. There’s no way around it. 

Individually and collectively, we face interesting times and challenges.  If we each take the time to consider our own trajectory, our joint trajectory can take us somewhere great.