I can’t remember where I heard this, but I’ve been musing about this phrase: “find a lane,” which basically relates to choosing the direction that you want to go in, both personally and professionally.
Side-note: whoever said this had never experienced the lane-less turmoil of Pontefract Swimming baths, where the only rules are: there are no rules.
Sounds simple, right? I’m not sure it is though.
I think I’ve spent a lot of my life swimming in the wrong lane, and even the wrong direction at the time. Then again, it wasn’t wrong at the time – and if I hadn’t have dipped my toe into that lane, I’d never have known it wasn’t right for me.
Sometimes, I stuck in the wrong lane, even though I knew it felt wrong, just because I could keep up and even best the swimmers around me. Changing lanes is difficult, when you’re doing okay in the one you’re in, even when you feel unfulfilled/unhappy. Even moreso when you feel uncertain about the lane you’re going to: will I be able to keep up? Will I be out of my depth? What if I flounder and drown? (Yaasssss, I’m getting SO MUCH out of this swimming analogy!)
These days, I feel like I’ve found my lane. At least for now.
And let me tell you, it feels pretty great; to do something that you’re passionate about – something that you can’t not do. To do something that you’re willing to work for; that inspires, motivates and fulfills you; something that allows you to give the best of yourself and to serve others…. it’s worth all that time swimming the wrong way.
My point is: finding a lane isn’t always simple. Sometimes, it’s bloody hard work. But it really is worth it.
You just gotta keep swimming.
And really listen to your body as you do.
Anxious-Ambition.com 