Ever get the feeling you’re supposed to be somewhere or doing something else, but you just don’t know what it is? You’re not alone. We often hear about people “finding their path” as if it were some sort of cosmic Easter egg hunt. But what if I told you there’s a more empowering way to look at it? What if I told you don’t “find” your path, you build it? How empowering and scary is THAT?!
I know, it sounds like more work, right? But trust me, shifting your perspective can make all the difference. Instead of waiting for destiny to knock on your door, grab your building blocks and pave the way to the life you want.
The Myth of “Finding” Your Path
The conventional idea is that we’re all supposed to search for a pre-existing path or destiny. But there’s a problem with this approach: What happens if you don’t immediately “find” it? You might feel lost or inadequate. I mean, how many people do you know had it all figured out at age 18 and never wavered? I’m guessing not many.
In fact, rigidly following a clean, well-lit path that someone else has already built may hinder the realization of your potential.
Why Building Your Path is More Empowering
Why is building your path more empowering than passively waiting for it to appear?
- Highlights individuality: Building a path allows for a unique journey tailored to your individual strengths, interests, and values. In other words, when you build your path, it’s custom-made for you.
- Encourages active participation: Building a path promotes your active engagement in shaping your life, rather than passively waiting for direction. You’re in the driver’s seat, not just a passenger.
- Promotes resilience: Building a path fosters resilience. Setbacks are opportunities for learning and adjustments rather than failures. Did you hit a dead end? Great! Now you know what doesn’t work.
- Highlights the beauty of adventure: Even with a clear destination, the world will always throw in curves. There will be bumps, hurdles, a lot of gooey, sticky mess, and an occasional bash to the head. (figuratively speaking, mostly) We must be prepared to adapt to the twists, turns, and the falling rocks ahead. While the path we’re on may be a direct route to our destination, it often takes us to the exact exit ramp we need to get to the next leg of our journey.
How to Start Building Your Own Path
Ready to put on your construction hat? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start from where you are: There is no perfect time or place to start, but you have to begin from where you are, or you’ll never start. If you find yourself saying, “I’ll start when X,” or “I’ll start once I’ve accomplished “Y,” those are red flags. You’re procrastinating, and you’re letting fear and uncertainty hold you back.
- Identify your building blocks: Identify your existing strengths, skills, and interests that can serve as your foundation. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? What makes you tick?
- Embrace experimentation: Explore different opportunities and experiences to discover what resonates with you. Try new things, take classes, volunteer, or join a networking group. You never know where an unexpected opportunity might lead you.
- Challenge the status quo: Challenge assumptions, question norms, and redefine success on your own terms. Just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean you have to.
- Find mentors and helpers: You don’t have to go it alone. Find people who can challenge you, encourage you, and help you grow.
- Embrace change: Welcome change and understand that the end of every journey is the start of your next adventure. Never stop building.
Dealing with Obstacles and Uncertainty
Let’s be real, the journey isn’t always easy. You’re going to face obstacles, setbacks, and, what I like to call “goo”. But don’t let that discourage you. Here’s how to handle it:
- Acknowledge the “goo”: Remind yourself that the journey isn’t always easy and will involve challenges and setbacks. That’s normal. It’s part of the process.
- Emphasize the importance of resilience: Keep in mind the importance of managing emotions and listening to your gut.
- Highlight the value of mistakes: View failures as learning opportunities and understand it’s normal to screw up. I screw up all the time. –If you don’t believe me, read my book. 😉
- Think about ways to stay motivated: Ask yourself: What excites and scares me?” Then, run toward it!
Conclusion
You don’t find your path, you build it. By adopting this mindset, you’ll unlock empowerment, authenticity, and resilience.
It’s time to get going. Take your next step to build your unique path and embrace the adventures ahead.