There is an old proverb that says, “Many times the wrong train took me to the right station.” Lawyers may resist that idea. We are trained to control outcomes, draft with precision, and plan our careers like they are mapped out timetables. Perfection feels like a professional requirement. But in law, as in life, progress doesn’t always come from catching the “right” train. Career paths bend, cases turn out differently than expected, and choices that feel imperfect in the moment often lead to better destinations than we imagined (insert Taoist farmer parable here).

For many attorneys, the “right train” seems obvious at first. Land at a prestigious firm, climb toward partnership, or secure the sought-after in-house position. But detours are common. You may change firms, discover you prefer transactional work over litigation, or even leave traditional practice behind for teaching or policy work. What initially feels like the “wrong” train can become a career-defining opportunity. Your career isn’t ruined if you don’t stay on the train you first boarded. Sometimes, the detour is the destination.

The wisdom of the proverb also applies to setbacks. In law, failure can feel catastrophic. You didn’t get selected as a partner. You lost a case after years of work. You failed the bar exam. These moments often redirect lawyers toward more sustainable and meaningful paths. Research has found that professionals who reframed setbacks as opportunities for growth reported greater resilience and long-term well-being. In practice, that means recognizing that a rejection or loss doesn’t signal the end. It may mark a redirection toward where you’re meant to practice, learn, or lead. We all need this reminder on repeat.

Lawyers are trained to value precedent, predictability, and linear progress. Yet meaningful innovation often comes from “wrong trains.”  A 2024 Thomson Reuters blog shows how technology like client portals and workflow automation helps law firms retain and attract clients. Similarly, Financial Times’ recent coverage spotlights law firm leaders across the globe who have embraced innovation to transform their practices and stand out. Sometimes innovation feels like boarding the wrong train, but it can open destinations others haven’t even imagined.

Finally, the proverb is a powerful reminder about perfectionism. For lawyers, mistakes can indeed carry serious consequences, so this isn’t about excusing malpractice. Instead, it’s about mindset. How do you view your mistakes? If you are a  maladaptive perfectionist, your mistake is a failure. If you are an adaptive perfectionist, your mistake is an opportunity. Even if you don’t take the perfect path, the act of moving forward often carries you to the right place.