An insight is a deep, intuitive understanding of a situation, person, or problem. It also is the beginning of a new level of perspective. Currently, new insights are critical as we move from The Information Age to The Age of Artificial Intelligence. Here are three old sayings that have generated new insights for me.
If you don’t like the journey, you’re never going to like the destination.
The insight I have had recently is that we don’t always like change and the journey through it, but if we understand it, we can make it through. For example, we don’t like the loss of a loved one, and we don’t like the grief process. However, once we understand the grieving process, we can move through it better even when it is uncomfortable and difficult. So, now is the time to better understand the journey of change.
Leaders need to walk the talk.
The insight here is two fold. First, this phrase focuses on the leader, translating their words into action, namely matching what they say with what they do. However, if leaders use words or phrases they do not fully understand, or if the people they are talking to do not understand them, then walking the talk results in confusion.
Second, role modeling is very important in the world of leadership. Leaders need to understand that they are always sending a message, whether or not they are talking. Therefore, they need to be very conscious of the messages they want to send, and very conscious of the behaviors they want to role model. Because, in the end, their actions will always speak louder than their words.
If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. - attributed to Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice in Wonderland
The insight I have had recently is that without a clear goal, or set of goals, any road can lead to some place, but not where one might want to go. So, knowing the desired destination is important. At the same time, knowing why this is the destination is also important. However, knowing what is the outcome or result of getting there is even more important. Then, we can embrace the journey, because it is purpose-driven, not just goal-driven. And having a sense of purpose changes the whole journey.
Every day, old sayings will surface in our lives. I hope this week, and during the coming weeks you will ponder them and seek new insights. For the work we are doing is vitally important to creating meaningful and fulfilling lives at work and at home.
© Geery Howe 2026
Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change
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