The Well-Traveled Path

When you want your project to be successful, you might be tempted to travel the same path as all the previously popular projects. It’s a well-worn trail littered with all the footprints of those who’ve gone before.

It’s a safe and smooth path with all the bumps worn down and the potholes patched.
It is well lit, has large legible signage marking the way, and it’s displayed in GoogleMaps and in Waze.

The problem is that this path has a lot of traffic

Everyone knows it’s the safest path to travel, so everyone takes it. You won’t be anywhere near the first person to arrive at the destination (and you definitely won’t be the last), and you’ll certainly have to stand in line when you get there (and they’ll probably ask you if you have a reservation).

This path is also pretty boring

There are no hidden gems or undiscovered treasures on the side of the road. There are no quaint roadside mom-and-pops. It’s all giant golden arches and corporate superstores.

If you want a more interesting journey and a more adventurous destination, you’re going to have to take the other path

The path that is unpaved and has ruts and bumps that will rattle your bones and ruin your shock absorbers.

The roads aren’t marked and no one can give you directions. You might have to backtrack more than once, and you will definitely get lost (also more than once).

But along the way you are going to view wonderful vistas that few have ever witness, you’re going to find friendly people with interesting stories, and you’re going to find an awesome local cup of coffee and the best fried chicken or hamburger you’ve ever eaten.

You may not be the first to arrive at your destination, but you’ll be one of only a handful of others. There won’t be a line and people won’t ask you for a reservation — they’ll simply be glad to see you and happy you’re here.