It’s easy to think they’re one and the same.

In reality, our mileage count rarely squares with the progress we’ve made toward our goal.

We spend most of our time running in circles–or in place.

We make small bits of forward progress only during rare flashes of bravery, inspiration, or motivation. Or perhaps when compelled to by deadlines and other external forces.

Otherwise, we pace.

Back and forth.

Round and round.

Out of fear of failure.

Out of avoidance of discomfort.

Out of what we tell ourselves is a lack of clarity.

We rack up the miles, convincing ourselves with each uptick in the odometer that we’re getting closer to our destination.

The problem is that walking around our neighborhood is safe. Known. Navigable.

We know the potholes to avoid. The speed traps. The nearest convenience store.

Out beyond the freeway where the tarmac turns to gravel and the streetlights run out, there are no such comforts.

And yet we know, deep down, that that’s the only road that leads where we’re seeking to go.

We know it’s going to be a bumpy road.

We know we’re going to get lost at least once or twice.

We know it will test our resolve.

But we know our destination is at the other end.

And no amount of miles spent stalking the streets of our neighborhood is going to move us any closer.

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