Lost in Tuscany…

My friend and I had just arrived in Italy, ready for a photographic workshop in the Tuscan countryside.

The sun was shining, the adventure was beginning, and we were handed the keys to a small rental car.

Somehow, I became the designated driver while my friend took on the role of navigator. The only problem?

We were both used to driving on the other side of the road.

It wasn’t too bad on the highway, but once we hit the smaller roads, remembering which direction to enter and exit a roundabout became a little nerve-wracking.

And then, after about an hour, three things became clear:

1. We were going in the wrong direction.
2. My navigator was struggling—she later admitted she felt nauseous when reading in the car!
3. I was going to have to trust myself more than I expected.

With no GPS to rely on, I pulled off at the next exit, studied the map myself, and carefully got us back on track.

Eventually, we found the right turn-off, and our reward was breathtaking—an old Tuscan villa with thick stone walls, a kitchen with wrought iron furniture, and wooden shutters that opened to reveal poplar trees and endless vineyards.

The road adventure had been well worth it.

It got me thinking—business can feel exactly like this.

We set out with enthusiasm, but sometimes, we realize we’re headed in the wrong direction.

Maybe we’ve been following the wrong strategy, taking advice that doesn’t quite fit, or missing key signs along the way.

It’s easy to panic or keep pushing forward on the wrong path, but what really matters is having the awareness to stop, reassess, and course-correct.

The road to success isn’t always a straight one.

But if we take a moment to re-calibrate, choose the right guidance, and adjust our route, the destination can be more rewarding than we ever imagined.

So, where in your business do you need to pause, check the map, and make sure you’re truly heading in the right direction?

Here’s to navigating the detours and finding the breathtaking views.

Lenore