The Problem with “On Track”
We spend a lot of our lives obsessing over being “on track.” We want the career on track, the fitness goals on track, the 5-year plan on track.

But look at actual train tracks. Yes, they are efficient. They get you from Point A to Point B in a straight line. But when you are on the train, you are just a passenger. You don’t control the speed, you don’t control the stops, and you definitely don’t control the view.

I took this photo while exploring some old tracks, and it reminded me of a simple truth: The most interesting stories never happen on the schedule.

Walking vs. Riding
There is a massive difference between riding the train and walking the tracks.

When you decide to get off the train and walk, things get harder. The ground is uneven. It takes longer to get where you’re going. You might not even know exactly where the tunnel leads.

But that is where the “Main Character Energy” comes from. It comes from the agency of choosing your own speed. It comes from the willingness to be the one moving your feet, rather than letting a machine carry you.

Embrace the Detour
This Saturday, I want to challenge you to look at the areas of your life where you are on “autopilot.”

Are you following a script because it’s safe? Or are you willing to walk into the tunnel, even if you can’t see the light at the other end yet?

Maps are great for avoiding traffic, but they are terrible for finding adventure. Sometimes, you have to fold up the map, ignore the GPS, and just see where the rails take you.

Don’t be afraid to go off-script this weekend. The detour is usually where the magic happens.

– Zachary Starr