ux | work | life matters

Day 217 | Wearing the right shoes

A couple of years back we were over in Sweden and I needed something to wear for New Years Eve dinner. I didn’t find any shoes I really liked and ended up buying an ok pair just so I had something to wear. Yesterday I wore them and with every step I was reminded of how they weren’t the right fit.

I was going home after some birthday celebrations close to where I work. It was just gone 12.30am as I got off the tube where we lived and started the short walk home. A short walk that felt like an eternity. I don’t know what it is but my feet seems to change sizes every now and again and last night they appeared to have shrunk a size. My shoes were too loose and with every step I took I had to bend my toes slightly as to grab hold of and not drop them. It was uncomfortable, a little bit painful and made me dread every step.

There are numerous things in everyday life that make an impact on how you feel and how easy it is to reach where you want to go. Be it in your personal life or at work those little things can be compared to wearing a pair of shoes. If you wear the right pair of shoes through life the journey will be easier and more enjoyable. Wear the wrong pair of shoes and you’ll be reminded of it with every step that you take.
Just as with buying a new pair of shoes when it comes to making decision something that looks good may not necessarily be the right fit. At times you go ahead anyway because of an emotional connection, or like me back in Sweden that New Years, just because I didn’t find anything better. I knew the quality wasn’t great, but right then an there I thought they would do. And they did, for some time.

When it comes to making big decision, or buying new shoes, most will take a little getting used to until they feel as good as your old ones. It takes time before a pair of shoes are worn in and adjusted to the shape of your feet. It’s the same with big decisions. But once in a while you can be lucky enough to come across a pair that fits perfectly from the beginning. No need to walk them in, or wear bandages to prevent blisters. They just fit. When you find those shoes, be they actual shoes or a fit in some other form or shape, go for it. And above all, don’t compromise on what shoes you wear, or the things that you rely on to get you where you want to be. If you do you’re likely to regret it every step of the way.

Tomorrow – Day 218 | Week 31 summary

Image source: My old running shoes that I started my London marathon training in back in 2008

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