Off Course/On Purpose Part 1- The Longest U-Turn of My Life
Jul 05, 2025
I hate U-turns.
Always have. They feel like an utter waste of time… sometimes they even feel like failure. Like admitting I wasn’t paying attention…like going backward when I only want to move forward.
In fact, early in my marriage, I once refused to make a U-turn to get my wife something to eat. I drove further in the wrong direction to a different location—just because I hated the idea of turning around to go the way I already came. (I’m not proud of that.)
So naturally, it makes sense that one day I would have to take what felt like the longest U-turn of my life.
The Setup: A Familiar Road
We were heading north from Florida to Delaware in our RV—a trip I’ve done dozens of times. Straight up I-95. Easy. Simple. Practically muscle memory at this point.
We’d been driving for hours already and had just crossed from Florida into Georgia. We stopped for gas, stretched our legs, grabbed a bite to eat, then hopped back on the road.
Same road. Same highway. Same direction… right?
The Mistake (That Took Two Hours)
Now, I’ll admit—when Kristy and I get to talking on road trips, we talk. We were deep in conversation about life, love, family, business, real estate—everything. We like to leave at 4am to get started for 2 reasons: 1.Eat up lots of road and 2. Kids are sleeping and we get some focused time to talk. Kristy especially loves this time.
So, maybe this was her fault?
Okay… probably not. Almost definitely my fault.
But maybe she gets like 3% responsibility. Let’s not argue about that right now.
Anyway, we’re driving along, everything feels right, until we pass this massive sign that makes my stomach drop:
“Welcome to Florida.”
Wait… what?
How? We’d already left Florida—an hour and half ago.
The Realization
It took me a few moments to process what had just happened. I was stunned. Confused. Then I was embarrassed. Then frustrated.
We had gotten back on I-95—going the wrong direction—and I didn’t even realize it.
Why did this happen?
Because I was comfortable.
Because I’d done this drive so many times.
Because I assumed I was on track.
Because I had turned off the GPS.
Because I got distracted (in a good way 😉).
Because I wasn’t paying attention to the signs.
The Metaphor: A Life Lesson
That U-turn wasn’t just about directions—it was about life.
I’ve done this before in leadership, in business, in marriage, and in my personal growth.
🚙Moving full speed ahead in a direction that feels familiar…but actually leads the wrong way.
⚠️Ignoring signs because I think I’ve got it figured out.
☝️Resisting correction because I hate turning around.
But here’s what I’m learning:
Off course doesn’t mean off-purpose.
It just means it's time to wake up, reset my direction, and move forward—with more intention this time.
"You cannot change your destination overnight but you can change your direction" - Jim Rohn
What To Expect
This is the first post in a new blog series called Off Course/On Purpose.
In this series, I’ll share lessons from this road trip (and life), unpacking the real leadership and life truths behind wrong turns, long detours, and unexpected setbacks.
You’ll find stories, reflections, and questions to help you:
- Notice the signs
- Course-correct without shame
- Find purpose in detours
- Keep moving forward—on purpose
Because even when you’re off course, you’re never out of reach of your purpose.
Leadership and Life Reflection Question:
Where in your life might you be going in the wrong direction—simply because it feels familiar?
Is it time to pause and check the signs?
Hi!
