Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

— George Carlin

Next to explaining the concept of “love,” explaining the concept of “success” is almost as daunting. Success has been written about, preached about and sought after by millions throughout history.

Much like love, success is relative and everyone may define it a little differently. It is difficult to find that one strategy or idea that will inspire everyone. For me, one of the easiest ways to think of success is comparing it to driving a car.

First of all, you start with the anticipation of learning to drive (or becoming successful). You start to think about all the wonderful things you can do and see when you can drive. You see others driving, therefore you know if it is possible for someone else, it is absolutely possible for you.

You begin by setting a goal of what you want to achieve. Where do you want to go? Then, you must learn the rules of the road, stay on course, keep your focus and you should reach your destination successfully. It sounds easy enough doesn’t it?

I still remember my driver’s education instructor helping me understand the most important nuances of driving. The same two simple instructions continue to help me stay on course and reach my goals in my personal and professional life as well. Here they are:

1. Mostly, look ahead out of the front windshield: I clearly remember my driving instructor telling me, “Your car will follow your eyes. Wherever you look the car will go. So, always place your vision on where you want to go, rather than where you don’t want to go.”

Nevertheless, I would find myself looking at the cars next to me, behind me, the lines on the road and the shoulder of the road to make sure I was staying in the middle of the lane and clear of everyone. My natural tendency was to focus on the places that I did not want to go. Invariably, I would meander from side to side like a drunken sailor.

Finally, the instructor told me to pull over and stop the car. As calmly as he possibly could, he reminded me, ” Just focus on where you want to go, not where you’re afraid you could end up, where you have been or who is creeping up beside you. Spend most of your time looking forward out of the front windshield!”

2. Occasionally, check your mirrors for a different perspective: Later, that same day while driving down the freeway, he told me that it was important to occasionally do a quick check behind and beside you so you will be able to navigate around any possible upcoming obstacles.

He also reminded me to not spend too much time looking in the mirrors or I could miss what is right in front of me and could have an accident.

So, what does all of this have to do with success?

• Spend most of your time focusing forward, at where you want to go and success will follow.

• Don’t spend a lot of time looking back remembering what you did wrong, what you could have done better or who is gaining on you.

• If you look back too long you could crash and never reach your destination.

• Occasionally, look back to remind yourself where you’ve been, the successes you’ve had, those who have assisted you and how far you have come.

As you travel along the road to success, keep your eyes on the road ahead to see the potential you have in front of you. Take a peek from time to time just to see how far you have come and celebrate your successes along the way. Drive carefully!

Brad Larsen is a life coach and corporate consultant from Northern Utah. He can be reached at bradlarsen@dailymasterpieces.com.