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You Can Direct Your Life but you Cannot Control It

 

I have spent a lot of time discussing the concept of creating what you want in your life.  If you have taken the advice, maybe you have set your sights on what you wanted to accomplish, created the plan, and executed on that plan. In some cases you experience success and that goal begins to manifest in your life. In others, it is simply not playing out the way you expected. The reality is that many things are out of our control. As we discuss in Adjust Your Sails, you can direct the boat by manipulating the rudder and sails, but you cannot control the current or the wind.  On the water as in life, we must come to terms with the fact that you can direct your life but you cannot control it.

You have the power to create the vision, build the plan, and take action, but there are external forces that are beyond your control. It’s for this reason that we cannot completely attach ourselves to a specific outcome.  You must be open to the possibilities.

Many years ago I had an opportunity to take a step up within my company. The job would have given me a chance to manage a group of very successful salespeople. The position required me to relocate.  I was unable to move due to a family health situation. I remember being distraught by the fact that I couldn’t take advantage of the opening. Less than a year later, I was offered a position, which represented my true passion–the ability to coach and develop people from all across the organization. It meant I could spend all my time working with people on their professional development.

Had I been able to relocate for the initial job, I wouldn’t have had the chance to pursue my passion.

As you begin to think and work toward your goals, know that you can direct your life but you cannot control it. Understand that in every situation there is always more than you can possibly see. When you focus on your goal, set your sights not exclusively on your desired outcome, be open to that outcome and know you will manifest that, or something better.

Posted by Joel Brookman in Direct Your Life and tagged direct your life.

 

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