If you want to know about the fields, ask the cows.
A few months ago, while I was walking through Oklahoma on my way to Texas, I passed a sign that said, "The cows will tell you about the feed." It was a sign advertising a type of grain, but from a distance, after walking 25 miles, I read it as, "The cows will tell you about the field." I liked this version better because it got me thinking: if you really want to know about something, you should talk to the people who have actually done it. While planning my walk across America, I did a ton of research. I Googled, talked to ChatGPT, asked friends, and even sought advice from Facebook groups and Reddit (big mistakes). But no one really gave me great advice or suggestions to make my walk a success. It wasn't until I realized that I was going about it all wrong. I was asking the right questions, but not the right people! After deleting my posts on Facebook and Reddit, I went to Instagram and DM'd two guys who had walked across the country a couple of years before me. Their advice was AMAZING. Now I'm 2,400 miles into my walk based on their advice, and everything has gone great. They've been on my team ever since, and being able to bounce ideas and problems off them has been a lifesaver (literally!). So why do I share this? Because I've seen this issue pop up in my life and the lives of others over time. Having someone, or a few someones, in your network to help and support you are invaluable. They can be what ensures you "make it to the other side" and reach the goal you've been working toward for months or years! Is there an area in your life where you're feeling a bit stuck or unsure of what to do next? Who can you reach out to for help on your journey?