Are you following the right map?

There is a great lookout in Australia at a place known as Sublime Point.  From the safe spaces at the edge of towering sandstone cliffs, you can look down from on high at a town called Thirroul, nestled on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It was from this lookout that I had an epiphany of sorts in the form of a metaphor when I was a younger man.  Looking down, I noticed a human being the size of an ant, standing at a major intersection looking each way as if lost.  I imagined he was trying to get to the beach but didn’t know how.  From where he stood, down amongst the hustle,  all he could see were cars and shops.  He may not have realised that if he just turned left and walked about a kilometre, his destination was waiting for him.  If only he’d followed a map.

From my big picture perspective above, his journey looked simple. Just one or two turns.  His perspective though, was a lot different. A lot more stressful.  He had traffic, noise, crowds and the heat to deal with.  In situations like this, a little planning and research goes a long way.  If our hero had just started out with a rough idea of where to go, he might easily get lost and end up further from his destination than when he started.  If he grabbed any old map, he could end up anywhere.  With the right plan and the right map though, his journey would be a lot more enjoyable.

Just like life…

Life is a lot like this when we have to make bigger choices.  A little preparation takes you a fair way.  Knowing yourself, knowing what you like and knowing what drives you are all keys to developing the right map.  In order to get to the right place, you need to know what the right place is for you.

Sublime Point is named so, because the amazing view is meant to remind each of us of the sublime majesty of God. Of God’s perspective. I mention this, because having a belief is important for many people in knowing what the ‘’right thing’ is.  Their belief gives them broad guidelines as to what is a valuable life.  My point is more than religious, though.  The point is, that it is incredibly helpful to seek the perspective of someone wise, who understands your journey a little.  A mentor, friend or parent for instance, can guide you through the tough times.

Changing directions

If our intrepid hero continues on his way, without checking or asking, he would eventually discover that the ground begins to gently slope uphill.  After a good deal of sweat and muscle soreness, he would inevitably end up at the top of a big hill, face to face with a sheer cliff that he is unprepared to conquer.  Added to this, the ocean is rarely at the top of a cliff.  If only he had stopped to weigh up the signs.  If only he had asked someone or checked a map.

When we are faced with road blocks or problems in life, it is important to step back and figure things out.  Even if there aren’t major blockages, time out to reevaluate and goal set is invaluable.  There is no point following a life map that takes you in the wrong direction.  In the end, you will end up bogged down and depressed.

Tips to a more realistic map

Firstly, be realistic.  There would be no point, for instance, for me to want to be a Doctor. The thought of changing a band aid makes my stomach queasy and I am a little old if the truth be known.  You need to plan for both what you are capable of doing and what you are willing to do.  

Secondly, if you are already well along the road, take time to evaluate your progress and celebrate the victories.  Regular evaluation enables you to learn from the mistakes, avoid new ones and save a lot of time.  Be honest about what isn’t working too.  You’d be surprised just how much of our routines are the way they are because ‘it’s just how we’ve always done it’.

Most importantly, make sure you know what is most valuable.  Know what aspects of your life are untouchable, before you start getting rid of stuff.  You wouldn’t want to throw the wrong things out.  Family, financial security and a greater purpose are too important to take lightly.  Think before you act. Again, seek the guidance of someone in your corner with perspective.  This doesn’t make you weak…it makes you intelligent.

Passion, purpose and patience

In the end, if you are dissatisfied with where you are headed or lost due to no fault of your own, you need to reevaluate the map you are using.  If you need a greater spring in your step, consider what you are passionate about.  It doesn’t have to be your career, but having something that excites you, no matter what it is, is invaluable.

Knowing what is important to you, enables you to live with purpose.  It is like the true north on a compass.  If you have your basic directions in place, everything will be so much simpler.  Purpose gets you out of bed each morning.

Natural down times like holidays and Christmas, are a perfect time to breathe deeply and consider life.  Theoretically you have the time and space to question your passion and your purpose.  It is a great time to consider short, medium and long term goals and whether or not you need to draw up a new map.

Great things take time to achieve.  If they were easy, everyone would be doing them.  If you fall, go easy on yourself.  Remind yourself that you are living according to your passion and  purpose.  Take a breather, then get back up and keep going.  Before you know it, your toes will be chilling in the fresh, salty waters of the Pacific.

Related

Decision-Making | Psychology Today

Tips for making better decisions when you’re sad » The Good The Bad and The Unrelated