Taking the next step can get you miles

Charlie Mackesy, a British illustrator started posting conversations he illustrated about a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse online.

The reception of these posts led to the creation of a book shockingly titled The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse.

Mackesy has described his work as “It’s about existence. It’s about being human. It’s about connection and hope and fear and frailty.”

One of the most referenced pieces is about the boy talking with the horse about the feeling of uncertainty about what to do next when faced with getting through the difficult forest.

The next step to take

The Boy was overwhelmed by not seeing a possible end to the journey through the forest. Not being sure what was the best option he could take is, and the potentially disastrous outcome of every one of those decisions. Drowning in a lack of confidence that they would never make it out of the forest.

The Horse guides him to not look at the ending but rather to focus on the next step he needs to take, not the last step out of the forest.

Outcome versus Process

Often we all can get wrapped up in the outcome we want. We want to hit a certain level of sales, a goal weight, or a golf handicap. These outcomes are great to point us in the direction we want to travel but the most important activity is to take that next step.

You need to break the outcome, which you have no control over, into actions you will undertake to try to achieve the outcome. Every action should be under your control.

Make a certain number of calls, follow up with leads, start conversations, watch what you eat, work out, practice and review your backswing. Actions are under your control. Just as the next step is under The Boy’s control.

The outcome isn’t guaranteed but the actions and process will teach, inform, and provide feedback on the direction you are heading and if it is the correct direction.

Years ago another British writer wrote a story of a small character going on a long journey, they also had a wise taller character impart some sage advice on them – for even the wisest cannot see all ends.

We can’t see nor control where we end up, we just need the courage to start the journey and take the next step we can see.