Get Lost

Not just a phrase that the preverbal older sibling barks at the preverbal younger sibling, "Get Lost" is sound advice. My dad told me that one of the best ways to get to know a new city is to get lost. "Take some time and drive around until you have no idea where you are or how you got there. It may take a little bit of time, but once you’re there, try and find your way back without using a map or the same roads that you have already taken."

In doing this exercise, a couple things will happen.

• You’ll learn quickly what roads that matter look like and how to identify roads that don't.
• You’ll be able to "be wrong" and know it's okay.
• You’ll discover things that you never would if you’d taken only roads you knew were correct.

The more times you Get Lost, the better you'll know the patterns that exist in all kinds of cities and situations. Then, the next time you find yourself in a new city or situation, you’ll be on the look out for the landmarks, posted signs, and patterns that you know will most important in finding your way to your destination.