As it travels, the snail leaves a silvery thread in its wake. Its trail glistens and signals that it has been there, allowing its compatriots to find it and follow its path. Within a day or so, however, the trail is gone.

As you find your way, leave a path for those behind you. At the same time, leave no trace of yourself on others—for example, by attempting to control or change them. Instead, be neutral and open to your own capacity for error. Consider this: The outcome is the evidence. If your actions are useful, they will be effortlessly received, do some good, and evaporate like the snail’s trail. If they are not, no matter how sophisticated their disguise, you will encounter resistance and drama. Lead the way, leave no trace, and the good you do will follow.