The path to success is not linear

The path to success is not linear.

In fact, it's a complex series of twists and turns, fits and starts, wins and losses.

And also a circle?

THREAD: Circumambulation - What the hell is that and why do you care? [#1]

A term first coined by famed Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung...

Circumambulation refers to the premise that evolution, of any type, never occurs in a straight line.

To quote Jung directly:

"There is no linear evolution; there is only a circumambulation of the self." [#2]

Now we know what it means, how do we apply this to our lives?

Let's talk about goals.

We're often frustrated when the path from where we are to where we want to be seems devoid of direction.

Fear not, circumambulation tells us this is to be expected. [#3]

At its core, the principle is simple.

As we strive to reach our full potential, failures and mistakes are a necessary part of the process.

When we encounter obstacles along the way, we are forced to course-correct, adapt, and change.

More often than not, for the better. [#4]

Jung's theory shows us that over time, the destination we're aiming toward shifts in accordance with these adaptations.

Changes in direction alter our path, causing what was once believed to be a linear progression to morph into more of a circular shape. [#5]

The object of our desire, our goal, begins to come into view at the center.

The well-known Hero's Journey template illustrates this circular path to enlightenment. [#6]

Our hero's path is fraught with challenges.

Yet we learn, it is in the navigation of these trials, where our true goal, and ultimately our greatness, is achieved.

Insights gained as we traverse our journey allow us to view our perceived goal from multiple angles.

The result? [#7]

Not only do we grow in our understanding of ourselves, we routinely find the end destination is different from what we originally thought.

This iterative process allows us to distill our desires and find the essence of what we are truly meant to achieve. [#8]

Jung succinctly described it as follows:

"The way to the goal seems chaotic and interminable at first, and only gradually do the signs increase that it is leading anywhere.

The way is not straight but appears to go in circles." [#9]

I'll leave you with this...

Next time you feel like you're "running around in circles," stop and take a look toward the center.

Changes in direction are to be expected, and you may just find, you're exactly where you're supposed to be. [#10]

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i write about mental models, productivity, and building a better you. [#11]