I have spent years sharing the “Be the Buffalo” concept, which highlights drive and courage, with both family and clients. My poor kids have been inundated with a steady dose of analogies, tricks, and mantras that encourage being driven. And God bless them both for listening to me wax on, let alone staying awake all these years.

But as Tony Robbins used to say, “Redundancy is the mother of skill.” So, here I go again!

We may all look at our situation, whether business or personal, and feel like we are at a “crossroads.” I assume that this means we are either confused about the direction we should take, paralyzed by the variables surrounding us, or simply too tired to move forward.

Recently, I spoke to a young man who is looking for a new gig. I found him smart, thoughtful, and at a “crossroad.” He talked about how difficult it is to get a foot in the door, let alone stand out. And while he feels a bit defeated, we talked about how discomfort is where growth comes from. In turn, we discussed the idea that we must push forward and do the things we don’t want to in order to find success. That may mean creating live, in-person conversations, attending new functions, and letting go of your immediate wants. As you can imagine, I peppered the poor guy with my buffalo mantra, because I know that dealing with the storm head-on will bring success on the other side.

I also counseled the young man to define himself with gratitude, humility, and a desire to serve. Too often, we define ourselves by what we do, and what we want in our lives. And that just commoditizes us. But when we reframe our work to focus on who we want to serve, opportunity shines.

So, if you find yourself at the crossroads, look up at the signs. “Buffalo Drive” is inspired by the buffalo’s instinct to charge directly into a storm. While most animals run from the discomfort, the buffalo knows the fastest way through is to face it head-on. Having drive is about pursuing growth and leaning into the uncomfortable. Simply put, drive demands courage, and it reminds us that progress doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

Drive without grounding can easily veer into ambition for ambition’s sake. That’s why I believe in pairing it with Gratitude Way. Gratitude shifts the focus outward. It reminds us to trade expectation for appreciation and to delight in what we have instead of what we lack. Gratitude humbles us, reminding us that our achievements are fueled by relationships. And when gratitude becomes a daily practice, it transforms the way we work.

So, when you come to the crossroads, remember that you are in the right place. If it feels uncomfortable, then good stuff is right around the corner. As you travel on Buffalo Drive and Gratitude Way, you will move forward while anchored in purpose.

Your destination awaits!