Coddiwomple

Purposefully into the unknown.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness

Reimagined image by David Marlow from an original photo by Łukasz Maźnica

Audio narration by David Marlow

Definition.

Coddiwomple (v)

kod-ee-wom-pl

1: To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.

English slang of recent origin (2010)

Risk

Coddiwomple encourages us to travel without a meticulously planned path. Our most exhilarating adventures often begin with a single stride into the uncertain. The beauty of such a journey lies in its unpredictability.

When we hold out for absolute certainty and perfection, we risk missing out on the blessings of Coddiwomple.

Waiting for every detail to align perfectly or for complete information can stifle our progress and prevent us from fully experiencing the joys and lessons an imperfect, unpredictable path can offer.

We lose out on a world of opportunities, spontaneity, and the magnificence of life's imperfections.

Opportunity🌀

Embracing the journey as it unfolds allows us to find fulfillment and meaning in the unpredictable and incomplete.

Coddiwomple isn't merely about traveling without a detailed road map; it's about purposefully embracing the exquisite unpredictability of life.

By relinquishing the need for perfect information or a meticulously planned route, we unlock the door to many opportunities.

It fosters a spirit of adventure, where the unforeseen becomes a benefit rather than a hindrance.

Possibilities abound in the uncertainties, gaps, and vague destinations that coddiwomple encourages us to explore.

Story

The call was unexpected. ‘Tim’ was an executive VP of a large department where I worked. He was interested in creating a continuous improvement and innovation program. He invited me to lunch to discuss the programs I had started at several Fortune 500 companies.

We met on a Friday, and he asked me how I would create such a program from scratch.

I shared how I had done it before adding how I might modify the approach to fit our company's culture.

The following Monday came the unexpected call.¹

"Would you like that job?" asked Tim.

What job?

"The one we talked about at lunch," was his reply.

I had hoped to encourage him to create a continuous improvement program. Running it never crossed my mind.

I was in a secure senior position in IT. Taking this role would be a leap into the unknown. If the program failed, I could be out of a job with limited possibilities to return to IT at this or other companies.

So naturally, I said…

Yes

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Even though it was an undefined role with significant risks, it aligned with my purpose.

Purposefully moving towards a vague destination, I embraced coddiwomple and ultimately created a globally recognized continuous improvement program and, in the process, my dream job.

When that had run its course, I embraced the unknown again, taking early retirement and going all in on sharing Ikigai.

Both led to incredible personal and professional development. I could never have achieved such growth in the safe and known path I had been on.

Were there some bumps and bruises along the way?

Absolutely!

Would I do it all again?

In a heartbeat.

Application.

Here are seven critical steps to applying the principle of coddiwomple:

1.     Embrace Uncertainty: Cultivate a mindset that welcomes uncertainty as an opportunity, not a threat.

2.     Take Action: Take the first step, and let your actions guide you.

3.     Learn from Detours: Embrace the detours and unexpected turns and use them to refine your path.

4.     Seek New Experiences: Welcome new experiences and seek opportunities to step out of your comfort zone.

5.     Reflect and Adjust: Regularly take time to reflect on your journey. What have you learned? How have you grown?

6.     Celebrate the Journey: Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and savor the experiences.

7.  Share Your Story: Your journey can inspire and guide those seeking their path of purpose and adventure.

🌀Reflection.

🌱 What Does Embracing the Unknown Mean to Me?

🌱 How Can I Begin Applying Coddiwomple in Small Steps?

🌱 What Excites Me About the Possibilities of Coddiwomple?

🌀 Remember: No matter what has come before, today is a fresh start. 🌱

Let’s make things a little bit better. 🌱

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1. As both a conversation piece and a lesson in innovation, I kept a vintage red rotary dial phone on my desk. It became the symbol of the continuous improvement program.

My desk. Red phone and dragon coaster.