There Is No “Right Path” – Build Your Own

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

The “Perfect” Career Path

There’s a lot of pressure these days to figure out the “perfect” career path or the fastest way to success. But let me tell you from personal experience—there is no single path to follow. In fact, there were many times throughout my career when I wondered why things were unfolding the way they were. Yet, looking back now, I can see how every experience—starting with playing team sports as a kid and spanning across multiple industries—shaped me into the leader I am today.

Each role gave me new perspectives and the flexibility to solve problems in different ways. If I could give any advice to future leaders or those holding back in their careers, it would be this: Try a lot of new things.

Variety is the Spice of Careers

We’ve all heard the phrase, “variety is the spice of life.” Well, I believe that applies to your career, too. Recently, I had a conversation with a few high school graduates about their next steps. They asked for my opinion on what path they should take. It made me chuckle because I thought back to my own path—one that felt scattered and random at times. But standing in the present, I now see how every experience, relationship, and perspective gave me the confidence to lead and add value in any room I walk into.

The advice I gave them? 

Whatever you choose to do, be the best you can be at it. Treat every job, role, or opportunity as the best one in front of you at that moment. Even if it’s not your dream job, commit to learning everything you can from it. Each experience becomes a building block, laying a stronger foundation for whatever comes next.

One great way to build that foundation early is by working closely with a small business owner and taking on as many roles as possible. In a lean business, you get hands-on experience across multiple areas—operations, marketing, sales, and financial management. There’s no better way to learn than by doing, and these types of experiences are often more valuable than any classroom lesson.

Closing Thoughts

"Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later."

– Bob Goff

So many people ask, “What’s the right path to take?” The truth is, your path is the right path. It will make sense in the end. The key is to stay curious and bring variety to your career. Try everything you can. Soak in the lessons from each role and, over time, you’ll discover what excites you the most. With a diverse foundation in place, you’ll be ready to go deeper into the areas that truly ignite your passion.

Success isn’t about finding the perfect path—it’s about building a path that’s uniquely yours.