Where, Exactly, Are You Going?

It's often said that, "No wind blows in favor of a ship without a rudder." No matter what the conditions, a ship without a skilled crew, proper equipment, and reliable maps, is doomed. All three
elements are essential, and sailing the "ship of life" works much the same way.

This week, I talked with a man who argued that crashing on the "rocks" is not his fault. He's a real estate agent, and he's nearly bankrupt. He blames his failure on the markets, the banks and
economic conditions, but admits he's made no real effort to adapt to changing conditions. He's like a Captain sailing into the teeth of a storm because "that's the route we took last time and it
worked out alright." He's doomed.

Am I being unfair? Perhaps. He's a good person and deserves better than he has received in life.

At the same time, however, we are each responsible to play the cards life has dealt us. We are responsible to do what we can, to develop and use effective strategies. We are responsible for our
actions and, largely, for our results.

We have the tools to live amazing lives. We are wealthy beyond measure. The world's great books, museums, art, music, wisdom and resources are at our disposal. There are people who can
teach you anything you wish to learn. You can move, change jobs, learn new skills, and change your life. You can do less, or do more. You can go back to school, make new friends, and add beauty, music and inspiration to your life.

It has never been easier to create a beautiful sitting room, read a great book or enjoy a superb wine. Conversations are as rich, deep and inspiring as we make them - or as boring, shallow and
repetitious as we permit.

Can you transform your life in a day? There is some debate about that, but my personal answer is, "Not likely." My experience suggests that most of us won't, and shouldn't, run away to Paris, or abandon our responsibilities. Most of us cannot rebuild our lives on a whim.

But, day by day, we CAN move in the direction of our dreams. We can, day by day, take action to remove the clutter, frustrations, and annoyances of life. We can learn from our mistakes and mis-directions. We can clean up, fix up, and enrich our lives.

Others have, and so can you. One of my inspirations is Oprah Winfrey. I love that her personal battles have been so public, and that she never gives up, never quits, and never loses. In my book,
she's a winner.

Another inspiration for me is a guy named Jim that I recently read about. Jim was born with several limitations, in part because his mother drank while she was pregnant. Jim will not likely become rich, well educated, or famous. But he keeps his apartment clean, he works hard and takes pride in his life and his friends, and at age 42, he recently graduated from the 6th grade. I'm impressed by him and I think that he exhibits tremendous courage.

Jim knows who he is, he has goals, and he uses everything he has to reach them. I count that as extraordinary success!

Are you sailing in the direction you want to go? Are you deploying your assets, your time, your energy and your intelligence to create the life you truly want? If not, don't blame the conditions. Instead, challenge yourself to become a more skillful sailor.

Where, Exactly, Are You Going? - To learn more about this author, visit Rodger Blaker's Website.

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