Life is full of complexities, and the analogy “We walk by common sense, we drive by following principles, and we fly by keeping to instructions” beautifully captures the idea that as we move through different stages in life, the demands on our behavior, discipline, and awareness change. Each stage or task requires a different level of attention, skills, and guidance to ensure success.
Walking by Common Sense
At its most basic level, walking requires little beyond natural instincts and common sense. This represents the daily, routine decisions in life where we act based on intuition and learned experiences. Common sense is often enough to help us navigate simple tasks and manage everyday situations. For example, we know to walk around obstacles or stop when danger is imminent. Similarly, in life, many decisions are made quickly and almost unconsciously because they are grounded in what seems obvious.
However, while common sense is valuable, relying solely on it may not be enough for more complex challenges. It’s like walking through a crowded street—if you want to reach your destination safely, you need more than just awareness; you need to anticipate movements, stay focused, and be cautious of unexpected events.
Driving by Following Principles
When we move from walking to driving, the stakes become higher. Driving involves speed, responsibility, and a greater potential for harm if mistakes are made. Here, it’s no longer enough to rely on common sense alone—we need to follow established principles like traffic laws and safety guidelines.
In life, this is equivalent to reaching a stage where decisions need to be based on proven principles, such as honesty, consistency, or strategic planning. Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, following principles gives structure and helps us avoid major pitfalls. Just as a driver follows road signs and signals, individuals must learn to navigate life by adhering to ethical standards and productive habits. Without these guiding principles, there’s a higher chance of failure, much like reckless driving leads to accidents.
Flying by Keeping to Instructions
Flying, both literally and metaphorically, is the most complex and demanding of the three stages. Whether it’s an airplane soaring through the sky or someone aiming to reach their highest potential, flying requires precise execution. There’s no room for guessing or improvisation. Pilots adhere to detailed instructions, checklists, and rigorous procedures because the margin for error is minimal.
In life, this stage represents high-stakes scenarios—achieving great success, leading a team, or navigating complicated projects. To succeed at this level, you must follow specific instructions or guidelines, whether they come from mentors, experts, or proven methodologies. This could involve a step-by-step business plan, health routine, or a life strategy, where missing one crucial detail could lead to failure. Success at this level is achieved through meticulous preparation, strict adherence to rules, and thorough execution.
The Importance of Adapting to Each Stage
Understanding the progression from walking to driving to flying can help you determine the kind of discipline and mindset required at each stage of your life or career. If you’re trying to navigate through life’s simpler tasks, common sense might be sufficient. But as you take on more responsibilities and seek greater success, you need to align yourself with principles and instructions that ensure you don’t falter.
Success isn’t about treating every task or decision the same. It’s about recognizing when to rely on instinct, when to follow rules, and when to execute with precision. By adapting to the demands of each stage, you position yourself for consistent growth and achievement.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you’re walking, driving, or flying in life, you must adjust your approach to the complexity of the situation. Common sense will get you through the basics, but following principles is essential for navigating larger challenges, and keeping to instructions is crucial for reaching your highest aspirations. In whatever you do, recognize what stage you’re in and equip yourself with the appropriate mindset and tools for success.
By incorporating these concepts and adjusting to the demands of each stage, you will increase your chances of success, be it in everyday life, your career, or personal development.
Taofeek Oduwaye
Real Estate Consultant/Blogpreneur