Off the Trail

Throughout this year as an Indiana FFA State Officer, I’ve learned through my interactions and experiences this year that becoming a successful leader is not always a straight path. It can be easy for one to be caught up in the idea of following the trail that’s been laid out; whether that be expectations of our roles, the routines of our day, or the paths others have paved for us. The truth is growth as a leader often means stepping out of our comfort zone and onto the beaten path.

I was reminded of this while out at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in late November. My teammates and I were following a trail back to see and as we did so I kept hopping off the trail and climbing on rock formations or doing some other kind of exploring. I kept myself quite entertained while doing so by finding objects that seemed like a challenge to get over and making my way across them. I was thoroughly enjoying my time when I pondered this question “Why did I like going off the trail so much?”. It would have been much simpler to stay on the designated trail and do as any other tourist would do and walk on, but what made me want to explore the rough terrain more? Maybe it was just because I like to have fun and climb on things but after thinking longer I realized that it was more about doing something that maybe nobody else had done before. You see, lots of people had hiked that trail but how many people have climbed over some boulders off to the side? I learned how that can be just like growing as a successful leader, we can choose to stay on the same old path or do something a little more unconventional because it is when you get off the trail and try something new you are being forced to do something that you’ve never done before and that’s when the opportunity for growth arises.

I encourage everyone to try their hand at getting off the beaten path. This may mean doing a contest that no one at your chapter has ever competed in or attempting to do something new in your role as a chapter officer in FFA. It can even be as simple as treating others with respect and kindness at all times even if no one else is doing it. The conventional route isn’t always the best route or the right route so venture off the trail.

Go off the Trail,

Ethan Wolheter

Indiana FFA State President