This quote by Lindsey Buckingham is likely describing an amount of time in his life that was filled with unpredictability and confusion. He might have been having a hard time to discover his place on the planet, or to make sense of the occasions that were taking place around him. The obscurity of the scenario could have been triggered by an absence of clarity in his goals, or a lack of instructions in his life. It might also have actually been due to an absence of understanding of individuals and scenarios he was handling. Whatever the cause, the twelve years he experienced were filled with doubt and confusion. This quote is a pointer that life can be unforeseeable and that it is essential to put in the time to review our experiences and to take advantage of the opportunities that come our method.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"