The run of the game is decided by the first move
Occasionally I choose a Viking quote derived from the Edda's or Saga's and consider its possible meaning to myself or others and how it may apply to modern society. Here's this week's quote. original im src
The run of the game is decided by the first move - Fóstbrœðra saga
The interesting thing about moving in any direction is that one goes in the direction one moves. That's not very sage wisdom is it? In this quote game refers to an animal, but how could this apply to us humans?
Thinking about it, and applying the concept not to physical movement in one direction or another but one's life-direction, the paths we choose, it becomes interesting.
I believe one needs to start with the end in mind meaning one needs to set goals. How can one move forward if one doesn't know the destination? Sure, along the way things can change and that may bring one the need to pivot however without the goal in mind how can one evaluate, strategize, plan and deploy with confidence?
There's many reasons that cause a person to want to achieve something and, arguably, conceiving the thing itself is the very initial stage although I believe the first step to achieving that thing is determining the goal, precisely. It must be realistic, specific, measurable and time-limited. From there the evaluation and planning stage can ensue and once that's in place one can finally move knowing one is more likely to move in the right direction.
It's that initial step which determines the effectiveness of the journey; Begin in a goal-oriented and strategized way and deploy the plan effectively and one has a much greater chance of arriving exactly where one wanted to; let's call that place ultimate sucess.
I've seen people, groups, businesses, companies, corporations and countries embark on a course of action that isn't well-planned. They may stumble and bumble their way towards some sort of result, maybe even an agreeable one, but often it is more costly, stressful, time consuming, inefficient, damaging or simply inappropriate through lack of initial clarity on the ultimate goal, a lack of research, evaluation, strategy, planning and ultimate direction.
How can one move towards something if one doesn't know in which direction it lies?
I really like this Viking quote and imagine it meant a great deal to the Vikings as they roamed far and wide looking for lands to settle. Sure, initially they simply hopped into a longship and sailed in a general direction however as they reached interim locations they re-evaluated and planned so that their next move was more focused towards a goal.
I'd say, very quickly, they came to understand the benefit of having goals and planning and it's probably one of the reasons they were so successful as raiders and settlers. That first step determined the direction and the actions taken afterwards moved them closer to their goals of conquest or settlement. Their achievements speak for themselves.
These days we don't need to form a shield wall, wield sword, or axe on the battlefield, or even sail to distant lands to find success...We just need to determine what it is we wish to achieve and have a plan around achieving it. By setting a goal, doing the research, determining and mitigating risks and challenges, formulating a plan and focussing our energy and passion towards that goal we set our feet upon the path towards achieving it and, if it's done well, we can move forward knowing we're going in the right direction.
That's it for this week, a thousand year-old Viking quote extolling the benefits of goal-setting, planning and beginning an endeavour with the end in mind.
In the comments below, please feel free to disagree with my interpretation and add your own if you like, tell a story around this quote or general topic or simply react to it and let me know what you think, how you see it, how it relates to you or someone you know.
Skol.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind