Four ways to gain direction in life

Gaining direction in your life can be a tricky process. Direction gives you something to aim for, and points you off down certain paths that will (hopefully) lead you somewhere you would like to go. It is closely linked with setting goals, however goals usually throw most people off including myself.

The main problem I have had with goals is that as soon as I write them down, they seem to lose their power or I lose interest in them. Goals are usually fairly rigid things that don't leave a lot of room for spontaneity or chance, and that area is their greatest downfall. During my time at the S.I.T. we had to do an assignment where we planned out life goals with great precision, and write a 10 page report all about ourselves and these goals. Believe me it wasn't easy. One of my friends, Aaron, firmly disapproved of doing such a thing, much preferring to taking opportunities as they came as you can never see exactly what will come up around the corner. Both extremes have their merits, and you can apply both of them towards gaining better direction in your life.

1. Know what you want.

Of course this seems the most simple, but its often one people have the most trouble with. I spent most of my life having no clue what I wanted, of course I knew what interested me but without direction you end up with a lot of lost energy. If you work out exactly what you want out of life and what makes you happy it will make things a lot easier. Even if you want more than one thing, make sure you keep in mind exactly what it is you want to be heading towards. “If a man does not know what port he is steering for, no wind is favorable to him” Seneca.

2. Keep your goals abstract, not set in stone.

If you make your goals too rigid its going to be difficult sticking to them exactly. Life is in a constant state of flux, so no one can really be certain what is around the corner or how things may change. If you make a far off goal, but aren't sure exactly how you're going the achieve it, at least you can head in the right direction regardless of what life throws in your way. Opportunities will always arise when you least expect them, and if you decide to ignore them or stay on your rigid path then you may loose out on something good.

3. Don't be afraid to accept new opportunities.

As I just mentioned, opportunities will always arise when you least expect them. One of the main motif's of conventional Hollywood plot structure, and even mythical structure is the "Call to Adventure". This is the point in the story usually near the start where the main character is given the opportunity or chance to do something that will change their life. Almost always, the main character will refuse this call initially before changing their mind later. This mostly comes out of peoples inherent nature to resist change, because change can be difficult and would make things different. Make sure you're not one to turn down chances or opportunities as you have no idea where they can lead to, or the possibilities they may open up for you later down the track.

4. Reach for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground.

One of my favorite quotes. Basically don't keep so obsessive and air headed about your dreams that you begin to ignore everything around you, including reality. While its really good to aim high, make sure you keep yourself grounded enough to make sure it will be achievable. Direction is not a destination, simply a way to help you get where you want to be in the future. Don't forget or ignore about the people or places around you currently, as they are as much a part of your life and should be appreciated. "We live in the present, we dream of the future, but we learn eternal truths from the past." May-lin Soong Chiang

Getting some direction in life can really change things for the better. You can put your energies towards efforts that will pay off in the future, and have a clearer idea of what to head for down the track. Direction can be a really useful tool in achieving what you really want out of life.