Some things work and some things don’t. There is almost always another way to get where you want to go. Don’t keep trying to open a locked door.
– James Clear
We’ve all been there—you try opening a door and realize it’s locked. What do you do next? Do you keep trying to open it, even though you know it’s not going to budge? Or do you step back and find another way to get where you need to go? According to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, there’s almost always another way to achieve your goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore why some things work and some things don’t, and how you can find another way to get where you want to go, even when life throws you a locked door.
Understand What’s Not Working
The first step in finding another way to achieve your goals is to understand what’s not working. Maybe you’re trying to land your dream job, but every application you submit gets rejected. Or perhaps you’re trying to lose weight, but you can’t seem to stick to a healthy diet. In both cases, it’s important to take a step back and analyze why your approach isn’t working. Maybe your resume needs some tweaking, or maybe your diet plan is too restrictive. By identifying the roadblocks, you can start to look for alternative solutions.
Look for Inspiration
Once you understand what’s not working, it’s time to look for inspiration. There are plenty of people who have achieved similar goals, and studying their stories can help you find another way to get where you want to go. For example, if you’re trying to break into a certain industry, seek out successful professionals in that field and read about their experiences. You might find that they took a more unconventional path than you originally thought, which could inspire you to try something new.
Embrace Failure
One of the main reasons people keep trying to open a locked door is because they’re afraid to fail. But failure is an inevitable part of any journey—especially one that involves taking risks. Embracing failure means accepting that not everything will work out the way you want it to, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. In fact, failure can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs and opportunities. So the next time you hit a roadblock, try reframing it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Seek the Help of Others
Sometimes we get so focused on our own journey that we forget there are people around us who want to help. Whether it’s a mentor, friend, or family member, seeking the help of others can open new doors you never thought possible. Even asking for advice on a specific challenge can lead to a new perspective and solution. Plus, the support and encouragement of others can be invaluable when you’re feeling discouraged.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Finally, it’s important to remember why you started on this journey in the first place. When you’re faced with a locked door, it’s easy to get bogged down in frustration and lose sight of the big picture. But by keeping your eyes on the prize, you’ll be more motivated to find another way in. Whether it’s a new career, a healthier lifestyle, or a fulfilling relationship, remind yourself why this goal is important to you and why you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting through a locked door in life is all about staying open to different avenues of approach. Even if it feels like you’re hitting a wall with your current strategy, remember that there’s always another way to get where you want to go. By understanding what’s not working, seeking inspiration, embracing failure, seeking the help of others, and keeping your eyes on the prize, you’ll be well on your way to finding that alternate route to success. So go forth, try something new, and never forget the wise words of James Clear: “Don’t keep trying to open a locked door.”