I find it profoundly interesting when one reaches a destination in an unexpected way. For example:

• As a tutor, my favourite moments are when a student reaches the answer in an unconventional way.
• As a student, my favourite moments are when someone with an unorthodox path to medical school teaches me something random.
• As an explorer, my favourite moments are when I marry together two completely unrelated ideas.

When we have our eyes on a goal, it’s easy to think of any deviations from it as being failures. Perhaps you didn’t get that score you wanted. Perhaps a lifelong friend disappointed you. Perhaps a dream you’ve been working for, at the final step, crumbled right before your eyes.

It’s okay! Straight paths are kind of boring. As long as you know what your key back in is, enjoy the temporary tangent. It’s way more interesting to treat each day as a new experience and go in whatever direction you want.

The best way to remain mediocre is to follow the status quo.