As humans, we were created with this innate curiosity to do and accomplish more than what we currently have. It’s that drive to explore and see what’s on the other side of the world. It’s the inquisitiveness to experience if we will actually fall off at the end of the flat earth once we reach the edge.
Although it may be intimidating to constantly hear of people who have their 10-step plan, and know exactly what they want in 5 years, have long and short-term plans, you too can achieve a lot of what you desire with the necessary action.
Some simple steps to move towards your desired destination
1. Have at least 1 thing that you are working towards
This step is sort of your guiding star. It is often said that life is about the journey more than the destination and that once you arrive at your destination, the journey starts again. I find this statement true, and for the journey to actualize there must be a desired destination that will inform the starting steps and guiding actions along the journey.
2. Feel free to explore your different interests
This is about trying different things that will help you learn more about yourself and discover various sides of you. The main drive is to not allow yourself to box yourself in. Once you have found what you are good at and enjoy doing, it’s okay to specialize but don’t limit yourself to only what you know. You too can surprise yourself with hidden talents and abilities that are within yourself. Always endeavor to stretch yourself.
3. Commit to excellence
Committing to excellence speaks to you doing what is right and excelling in what you do. This needs to be a part of you and has to inform your brand. Excellence will set you apart in a world full of people and constant self-promotion. Excellence will raise the quality of your relationships and your appeal. It will also lead to people recommending you to those who need the value that you bring. As the wise King Solomon puts it, “A man skillful in his craft will serve before kings”.
4. Invest in your development
You are your most valuable asset, and no one can invest in you as much as you can. There are various ways to develop yourself. This can be in the form of reading, podcasts, formal studies, being part of communities, mentorship, and just having conversations with people who are ahead of you in certain areas. The key is to expose yourself to new learnings and actually put into practice what you have learned so that it sticks and facilitates your growth.
5. Surround yourself with people who will challenge and inspire you to be the best you
This is about motivation and accountability. You need those people in your life who will celebrate you and your achievements, challenge you where you are going astray and show you that there is more to life. Your network is truly your net worth. The genuineness and reciprocity of these relationships will nourish your soul and give you the fuel to keep going when the going gets tough.
6. Start where you are
It’s interesting how we admire stories of people who have “made it” and have this expectation to hear this great and majestic voice of what to do next. When listening to all the stories of those we deem successful, the common thread is that everyone started where they were at, with what they had, and built on that. The compound interest of action is astounding. Constant small actions good or bad will over time yield great rewards or consequences and the key is to invest in the right actions.
On our way to our destination, the journey or process is the most valuable. At the end of it all, we treasure the experience we gain and the relationships and connections we build along the way. The destination is the compass whilst the journey is our life story. Keep taking those steps in your life story.