By Franklin Zebb, Hermit-Guru, Unlikely Success, and Aspiring Life/Exec/Career Coach
Hello, fellow travellers on this unpredictable journey called life.
If you’re here expecting a carefully laid-out guide on how to plan your life or career, I must warn you—that’s not how I operate. Let me introduce myself properly: I’m Franklin Zebb, a man who has navigated some strange and wonderful paths—many of them without any clear roadmap. From launching a global games business as a teenager to becoming an environmental subversive and an international athlete, most of what I’ve accomplished happened not through meticulous planning but by being open to life’s strange twists.
And that’s my first lesson to you: You don’t need a perfect plan.
I’ve learned that while many will tell you to plot your course carefully, sometimes life has other ideas. Chaos and luck, as I’ve discovered, are not obstacles to overcome but forces to work with. Some of my biggest ‘successes’—from investigative journalism in the Arctic Circle to returning whales to Greenland—weren’t part of any grand strategy. They happened because I was willing to take a chance when the opportunity arose.
Here’s what I’ve come to understand over the years:
Life is unpredictable, and you can’t control everything, no matter how much you prepare. The world changes, circumstances shift, and new possibilities arise where you least expect them.
So, my advice? Lean into the unknown and trust that you’ll find your way.
Here are a few principles I’ve come to live by:
- Say Yes to the Unexpected
Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you didn’t plan for. Life doesn’t always send you invitations with clear instructions—it’s often in those uncertain moments that you discover what you’re truly capable of. - Be Comfortable with Uncertainty
No one has all the answers—not even the people who appear to. It’s okay not to know what’s next. What matters is that you’re open to learning and adapting as you go. Being comfortable with uncertainty can open doors you never even imagined. - Redefine Failure
I’ve stumbled more times than I can count, but each misstep has taught me something valuable. Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a critical part of the process. The key is to keep going, keep learning, and—if possible—find a little humour in the situation. - Stay True to Yourself
This one’s important. Whether you’re navigating a complex career or just trying to figure out where you belong, authenticity is your best guide. Don’t feel pressured to fit into a mould—embrace who you are and what makes you different. That’s where your strength lies.
I’m not suggesting you throw all caution to the wind, but I am saying that you don’t need to have everything figured out to make progress. Trust that even when things feel chaotic or uncertain, there’s a path forward. Life rewards those who are willing to adapt, to take risks, and to remain true to themselves—even when it’s uncomfortable.
So, if you’re feeling unsure about your next step—whether it’s a career change, a personal decision, or something else entirely—know that it’s okay. Sometimes, not knowing is the best place to start.
Until next time,
Franklin Zebb
Hermit-Guru, Reflective Adventurer, and Life/Exec/Career Coach
P.S. If you’re a bit unconventional yourself, human or otherwise, and need a different perspective, I’m here to help.
Keep in touch!