My husband and I set off on a three-week road trip through the southwest.

On two occasions, we have made the risky decision to ignore our GPS and gone a slightly different route. Both times, we were correct in doing so and saved as much as ten to twenty minutes of travel time. Since we are spending a lot of time in the car, that time was precious.

Sometimes, it is better to trust the terrain over the map. For all of life’s planning and expert guidance, there are times you do better when you lead with your instincts.

This struck me as a good metaphor for my clients who tell me how things are not going according to the plan. Looking at a two-dimensional map or plan leaves no wiggle room for intuition, inspiration, and the pure thrill of going a bit off-script.

Just two days ago, we decided to take a three-hour detour to scope out an out-of-the-way city in New Mexico — just because. What we found when we arrived was

• the craziest, most delightful bookstore owner and access to every book I’ve been meaning to read at dirt cheap prices
• a really good brewery with equally good food, and
• artists’ galleries on every block

It is okay to go off plan. It is okay to discover and play out a few “what if” scenarios that can lead to new ideas, plans, experiences, and joy.

None of our quirky decisions took away from our overall goals. None of our “risks” would derail us from our destination. Each of them would hold lessons and treasures. But even if they had just been foolish risks, we would have laughed and learned.

Are you holding on to a map or plan that can get you to your destination but without risk? Then I would counter your plan is uninspired and possibly joyless. Is that really what you want?

When opportunity presents itself, trust the terrain that is before you. Trust your instincts. Trust that even a bad decision can lead to some exciting discoveries.

Let me help you look up from your plan and allow for intuition, a sense of discovery, and the ability to take more risks. Schedule your one-hour complimentary call and let’s get started.