There is no map

In Seth Godin’s book ‘Linchpin’, the scariest/best chapter in the book is ‘There is no map’.

It’s the best and scariest chapter because it states there is one way to achieve Linchpin-ness. Seth is essentially saying I’m not going to lay out step by step instructions, you have to figure out yourself.

This flys in the face of most self help messages because the average personal development book lays out the top ten tips for success. They say do this and you will get that. And usually the advice is common sensical and you probably knew it already and so you’re none the wiser.

Also it’s not very scary because you have reassurance and deniability. If anyone ever asks why you’re acting so weird you can reply with:

‘That’s what the famous author said to do’

When Seth says there is no map it’s terrifying because now it’s all up to you. He hasn’t given you a tactic that you can try a couple of times and then conclude it’s not for you. He’s put all the onus on you.

In my opinion that makes it the best and scariest chapter because it’s the truth.

There is no one route to achieve your goals and if it’s going to happen it’s up to you, no one else.