Monday Inspiration: Choose Your Direction

Weather vanes turn to indicate the direction the wind blows at any given moment. For that reason, they don’t provide a good tool for directing your life. Yet, all too often the wind—or the next distraction or interesting thing—can change your course. You may set out with a map to get from where you are to where you want to go, and then, like the wind or a weather vane, you get blown off course and don’t arrive at your destination. You change your direction based upon where the wind blows you or the direction the weather vane points.

Have you ever felt like you are guided by a weather vane or the wind? I know I do…more often than I care to admit.

In fact, almost daily I struggle against the winds that try to push me off course. These winds could be incoming email, social network updates from friends, phone calls, my daughter’s new puppy, an advertisement, a book I want to read or video I want to watch, or an unexpected visit from a friend or family member. Or I might get blown off course by a new and shiny business strategy or tool. Some days, I feel like I exist in the middle of a hurricane or tornado. I’m constantly searching for the quiet in the eye of the storm. And I’m trying to locate my map to see if I’m still going in the right direction—the one I chose.

It is possible to stay on course, though. To do that you must:

1. Have a map. Know your destination and how to get there from your current position.
2. Schedule and plan your trip from “here” to “there.” Break your trip into “stops” and know when you will make them as well as what steps you need to take to get to each minor destination on your way to the final destination.
3. Remain strong! Don’t allow winds of any type to blow you off course. Remain focused on your goal, follow your map, and keep the distractions at bay. Do not look at the weather vane.

I know choosing your direction and then sticking to that path isn’t always easy. But you can do it. Develop the muscles to walk into the wind. And, whatever you do, don’t use a weather vane as your GPS system.

Finally, remember what Thoreau said:

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

Choose your direction. Advance toward your destination confidently, always keeping that destination in mind. And you will achieve your goal—even if you have to move through hurricane-force winds.

How do you deal with the winds that threaten to blow you off course? Tell me in a comment below.

High Performance Coaching can help you gain the strength you need to stay on course and reach your destination. It support you in becoming more clear, courageous, energetic, productive, and influential as you fulfill your potential and purpose. To set up a 1-hour FREE High Performance Coaching session, click here. Find out after you apply how to receive a FREE ticket to Brendon Burchard’s next High Performance Academy (value $1,997).