Perhaps you’ve heard of the 1 in 60 rule? No? In aviation, this rule explains that being just one degree off course will, for every 60 miles traveled, put you one mile askew from your intended target. One degree. Now, if you’re only going 60 miles, then that one degree may not be significant. But, how many flights are only 60 miles? To put this in graphical terms, a flight from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA is about 2600 miles. One degree off at take-off might see the plane landing in Tecate, Mexico. A bit problematic, right?

I want to take a different approach to the 1 in 60 rule. As many of you already know of me, where others focus on the problem, I prefer to look for the opportunity. I’d like to have you think about what a one-degree change, done consistently, could produce over the course of a year….five years…a lifetime…as you think about what it means to have experienced a life well lived. While a simple example, this blog illustrates how – when armed with a clear vision of what is important to you – one small change can make a world of difference toward the life you are working to create.

In order to do this though, you first need to have a clear definition of success, of what that life well-lived looks like, and why it is important to you. And, to stay the course when times get tough, this definition needs to be fundamental to who you are, not the version prescribed by society or well-intentioned people, but your version of success.

To complete the analogy, when the flight does experience issues, it helps if the pilot is able to bring their best self to the situation – a self that is rested, clear-headed, and prepared to address the situation. Likewise, putting yourself in the best position to successfully navigate any turbulence you may experience on your journey may be as simple as making some small shifts to your routine. 

My question to you is, what one degree shift can you incorporate today toward your success and fulfillment?