The old saying, “What got you here won’t get you there” is absolutely true. But it’s abstract, so we don’t muster the courage to act on it.

I recently discovered a helpful analogy to make this more concrete during a coaching call with one of my clients.

Imagine you’re driving along a road. This is your daily experience. Your surroundings are just fine — they fade into the background. All of a sudden, you are jolted by the sight of a beautiful island up ahead. And—simultaneously—you realize a huge problem: The road ends just ahead.

As you grow closer, the vision of the island becomes clearer. It looks nice there. Really nice. And you want to go. But of course, you can’t. Because you’re driving a car. And unless you’re James Bond, your car isn’t amphibious.

Uh oh. What got you here won’t get you there.

If you’ll permit a literal, if simplistic, example: The island is more money, which you want. Your current job has a salary cap. What got you here won’t get you there.

In both (all) cases, what you need is a new vehicle. Your current vehicle cannot traverse the terrain to the new destination. You must either decide on a new vision that is compatible with your current vehicle, or take a big risk and get in a new vehicle.

Back to the island. You notice in the corner of your eye that a boat has appeared. You don’t know how to drive a boat. But it’s there, and theoretically, it can travel to the island.

It’s the moment of truth: Do you hop in the boat, learn how to sail, and reach for the island? Or do you settle for a lesser vision? This is especially challenging when you’re faced with multiple paths forward and the uncertainty feels overwhelming.

Recently, I chose to hop in the boat. It’s scary. I don’t know how to sail, yet. But I’m getting there. The island is still far away. But at least I know my vehicle can make it, if I can.

What about you?