[jpdbaugh]

I disagree about getting lost to find yourself. Sometimes you won't be able to get back out a self dug hole without a helping hand.

[momotomo]

I've found it's more about being in the hole than getting back out. It's only when you're really, truly screwed - in the sense that you're out of your comfort zone and have no clear path forward - that real learning happens / your character comes out.

There's very few people who are decent and / or successful who haven't had some seriously hard knocks involved in shaping who they are.

Edit for anecdote: I was a mid 20's guy with an average job and bad investments that put me close to 3/4 million in debt just before the crash. A lot of pain, panic and off the cuff decisions to save my own ass, but hell, was one of the best things to ever happen to me in hindsight.

[Tamerlin]

I don't think the two are related quite so closely.

The idea isn't to do everything alone. The idea behind the walkabout is indeed to find yourself -- and when you return, you are accepted into society as a member. It's a coming of age ritual, and finding yourself is one of those things that only you can do.

My sensei once told me that he could show me the road, but I had to walk it myself. I didn't get as far down the road of enlightenment (google Okinawa Kodokan if you want context) as I did without help, but I did walk the road myself.

[mvp]

what do you mean? are you speaking from experience?

[jpdbaugh]

Both the articles statement were vague I guess, however I was referring to getting lost in thoughts and the trap of trying to figure everything out before making your move. I really am starting to find that is not have conscious thought about everything you want to do with your life and instead just do it. I really think over thinking or "getting lost" second guessing everything holds a lot of people back, including myself.