64 - "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

How a Failed Coffee Shop Taught Me to Leave a Trail

Years ago, I wanted to open a coffee shop in my neighborhood. The "safe" path was clear: copy the successful chain downtown. Use the same menu, the same minimalist decor, the same loyalty program. It was a well-trodden path to moderate success, and everyone advised me to take it. "Why reinvent the wheel?" they asked.

Instead, I decided to go where there was no path. I designed a shop that was also a community library, where patrons could borrow books. I sourced beans from a little-known local roaster and hosted weekly "story slam" nights. It was unique, and for a while, it was magical. Ultimately, the business model wasn't sustainable, and the shop closed in under a year. By traditional metrics, it was a failure.

But here’s the interesting part: two years later, a new community space opened up in a nearby town. The founder told me she had been a regular at my shop and was inspired by the idea of blending coffee with community events. She learned from my mistakes, improved the model, and built a thriving business. I may not have built a lasting coffee shop, but I had left a trail.

This experience taught me the profound wisdom in Ralph Waldo Emerson's words:

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

This quote is a call to reject conformity and embrace the risks of innovation. It’s about choosing to be a creator, not a follower.

The Path vs. The Trail: What's the Difference?

Following a path is easy. It's safe, predictable, and requires little original thought. Creating a trail, however, is an act of courage and creativity.

• The Path Follower looks for a proven formula. They ask, "What is everyone else doing?"
• The Trailblazer looks for an unmet need. They ask, "What could be done differently?"

The path offers security, but the trail offers the chance for true impact. Even if you falter, the trail you leave behind can guide and inspire others.

3 Ways to Start Leaving Your Own Trail

You don't have to launch a risky business to be a trailblazer. You can apply this mindset in your career, your hobbies, and your personal growth. Here’s how:

1. Question a "Best Practice": In your job or a project, identify one thing everyone does "because that's how it's always been done." Ask, "What if we did the opposite?" Spend 15 minutes brainstorming what that would look like. This simple exercise trains your brain to see new paths.
2. Start a "First-Ever" Project: Launch something small that has your unique signature on it. It could be the first-ever gardening club on your street, the first-ever monthly potluck for your circle of friends, or the first-ever attempt at a novel in a genre you just invented. The goal isn't success; it's the act of creation.
3. Share Your "Failed" Ideas: Did you try something that didn't work? A new workflow, a project, a recipe? Don't hide it. Share the story and the lesson you learned with colleagues or friends. Your "failure" is a valuable part of the trail that can help someone else find their way.

Conclusion

The world has enough followers. The well-worn paths are crowded and lead to predictable destinations. The real adventure, the real opportunity for impact, lies in the uncharted territory. It’s scary, and you might get lost, but choosing to create your own way is how you leave a legacy.

Even a faint trail is more meaningful than a footprint on a crowded highway.

In what area of your life could you benefit from forging a new trail instead of following the path? Let me know in the comments!