Judgement Beyond The Next Step

Read the road ahead

It’s easy to follow the arrow right in front of you.

Harder to notice what’s forming further ahead — and how that should change what the next move really is.

Near-term direction often feels obvious. Signals are clear. Momentum builds. But what matters most is rarely just the next step. It’s how multiple paths begin to converge, and what that convergence is quietly pointing toward.

Good judgement comes from distance as much as from detail. From lifting your gaze long enough to understand where things are heading, not just where they are.

Decisions made with only the immediate arrow in mind can be efficient — and still wrong. The better choice often reveals itself when you step back, study the road ahead, and decide with that wider view in mind.

David R. Smith