You may have caught the Sustainability in 7 video series that Core77 ran earlier this year. I decided to create my own based on what I learned from my recent 1000 mile cycling road trip for sustainability called Ride the Talk.
1. Make a plan, then change it.
My ride really taught me that being prepared (physically and physiologically) for a challenge is very important, as is having a tentative game plan. However, I learned very quickly that a plan is just that, a plan. It's not set in stone and it shouldn't be. Whether it's a trip itinerary, class project, product concept or strategic business plan, remember that it is simply a guide. It's a starting place and a way to reflect on what is working and what's not. Be willing to flex and adapt to the challenges and opportunities that will undoubtedly arise. Doing so will keep you and your goals relevant and resilient, and it will afford you the opportunity to experience important opportunities and avoid obstacles.
2. Listen to and learn from the locals.
This is probably the most useful piece of advice that I can extend. No one knows better than the folks that use it, drink it, breathe it and live it on a daily basis. I learned all about the best places to eat, the safest places to camp, the must-sees of an area and true road conditions from locals. If you are designing a product, program or service, talk to the locals, the stakeholders and the end-users. Locals know what's happening—for better or for worse—and they will candidly tell you if they believe that you are really listening and caring about what they're saying. This will save you time, energy and resources in countless ways. Which leads me to my next piece of advice...
3. Do it right the first time.
This one is so important it needs repeating. Do it right the first time! Sometimes in the heat of the moment it seems faster and easier to just "get 'er done." Great but just do it right the first time or else you've wasted valuable time, energy, and resources. Never more than on my ride did I discover this to be true. There is nothing more exhausting than having to backtrack and do a "do-over."
4. Be patient.
Whether it's that new product design you're working on, the educational program your developing, the grant proposal your submitting, your backyard garden or climbing that next big hill: be patient. It takes time to make progress and it is challenging to realize change. But with every push and pull of the pedal and every other small action, change is happening, even if you can't always see it immediately. Just be patient, with your self, with others and with the situation at hand.
