As we move through life we are constantly receiving feedback from our environments. This information gets interpreted and integrated by our brains and helps us to make our next move, or decision. Obvious signs, like a red light at a traffic intersection, tell us to stop. Less overt may be a “gut” feeling or instinct we have about something and we need more time to process before making decisions.

When our paths are not so clear, we may be open to “signs” on what to do next. These come in many fun forms like a song that may come on reminding us of something, or we get a phone call from a particular person that helps us walk through our next best step. We tell ourselves “It’s a sign!” Or “It was meant to be!”

In general, and in the absence of literal signs, I have found that I can really trust these “signs” based on how they make me feel. If I am moving in a direction where I am frustrated, blocked, annoyed or in a hurry, I take these as an invitation to stop what I am doing, and take notice of whether or not my actions actually makes sense.

By contrast, when things are in flow, I find that doors open, questions are answered and the next steps seem crystal clear. When this is my feedback I generally perceive the “ease” of things to be an indicator that I’m where I need to be.

But what happens when we start out with a plan that seems to flow at first, but then some random circumstance throws that plan on its head? Maybe we were planning a trip that made sense, but then there were no flights, or the intended travel companions had to cancel, making it harder and harder to schedule.

Or perhaps in the process of trying to make a major purchase like an auto or home, financing falls through, or the seller or buyer backs out. It seemed like a great plan at first, but then events kept creeping in to make it nearly impossible. Do we push through, with the conviction that it was the obvious course? Do we force the square peg into a round hole just to save face and remain committed?

Whether there are literal signs (like the one shown below) or there are just “gut” instincts to change course, I have to vote for listening to them. While plan execution certainly requires a great strategy, effective strategies necessitate ongoing adjustments, mid course corrections, and sometimes complete abandonment (the “Let’s go back to the drawing board” approach.)

Sticking our heads in the sand when we don’t want to change directions rarely if ever, ends well. If the ingredients of bread are not what they need to be, it doesn’t matter how long we try to bake it. It will never rise. Learning to spot these signs early on and make adjustments accordingly can be the difference between wasting time, and getting to our goal.

The most valid indicator in anything I am doing, is how I feel when I am doing it. And if I have to change course, so be it. The only thing worse than finding out I am completely on the wrong path, is to keep going down it.