Embracing the Unexpected Forks in the Road
Published 9 December 2024
“Something I had no prior intentions of doing would be this! If you would have told me as a kid that I would start my own company, I would have thought you were crazy. This is something I never thought in a million years that I would do. I’ve always been uninterested in business, but after finding a niche of what I could see becoming a real company, it feels like the right thing for me to be doing at this moment in my career. Doing this feels like the perfect thing to be doing, but it’s definitely not what I expected to be doing.”
Life has a way of surprising us. Just when we think we have everything figured out, an unexpected opportunity can come along and shake things up. Whether it’s a career shift, a chance to move to a new city, or an unexpected partnership, these moments often lead to growth, even if they initially seem daunting.
Rigidity can limit our potential. Often, the paths we resist are the ones that challenge us in ways we never imagined, allowing us to grow and flourish.
While planning is essential, being open to the unexpected is equally crucial. Those “detours” can turn into scenic routes, providing us with skills, relationships, and experiences that a carefully laid-out plan might never offer.
One of the most celebrated examples of embracing unexpected opportunities is Steve Jobs' reflection on his experience with calligraphy (Jobs, 2005). Jobs once attended a calligraphy course simply because he found it interesting, even though it had no immediate application in his life. Years later, this seemingly trivial detour suddenly became applicable, inspiring the typography in Apple products and changing the way we think about digital design.
As Jobs famously said in his Stanford commencement address, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward." Trusting in the process and taking the leap, even when the outcome is unclear, can open doors you never knew existed.
Many other successful people credit their achievements to opportunities they never anticipated. Dr. William R. Harvey, a renowned leader in education, didn’t begin his career in a traditional academic setting. While studying at Talladega College, a historically Black college in Alabama, Harvey worked as a janitor to support himself. The experience was humbling but formative.
After earning his degree at Talladega College, William R. Harvey pursued graduate studies, eventually earning a doctorate in education from Harvard University. He dedicated his life to academic leadership and, in 1978, became the president of Hampton University, one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black universities.
Under his leadership, Hampton thrived, expanding its academic programs, improving infrastructure, and increasing its endowment from $29 million to over $300 million. Harvey’s journey from janitor to president exemplifies how education and perseverance can transform one’s life, even in the face of significant challenges.
Harvey once remarked, “Excellence is not an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.” His story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, embracing unexpected roles and opportunities with determination can lead to incredible achievements in education and beyond.
Strategies for Embracing the Unexpected
Shift Your Perspective: Instead of seeing unexpected changes as obstacles, view them as opportunities for learning. Ask yourself, “What can I gain from this experience?”
Adopt a Growth Mindset: Carol Dweck’s research on growth versus fixed mindsets shows that those who believe they can learn and adapt are more likely to thrive. Embracing challenges and setbacks as part of the journey can make the unexpected feel less intimidating.
Take Calculated Risks: Though not every opportunity should be pursued, dismissing all unplanned options can mean missing out on something transformative. Evaluate potential risks and rewards, but don’t let fear be the deciding factor.
Unexpected opportunities are like unmarked doors––behind them may lie challenges, but also incredible rewards. By embracing life’s surprises with curiosity and openness, we not only increase our chances for success but also enrich our lives with experiences we never could have planned.
Next time an unexpected opportunity knocks, consider opening the door. It might just lead you to your next big adventure.
Discussion Question
What do you consider when assessing whether to embark on an unexpected path?
