I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate being lost. My mouth becomes dry, I am irritable and time seems to be moving at a faster pace. I began driving long before the aid of a fancy GPS. In fact my trunk was filled with books of maps. When lost, I would pull over and grab my trusty map and find my destination the old fashion way. Back then I was in a sales career and I spent a vast majority of my time on the road. Trust me; I have had my days of missing appointments due to my natural inability to find my way. I have come to think our individual destiny is a lot like finding something on a map.
As we progress, we quickly learn that life is less about the destination and more about the journey we embark. Destiny has been a grossly misunderstood concept. For some, the mention of destiny creates anxiety. Often we feel so misaligned that believing we are supposed to accomplish more is far too much to process. More than not, we opt for a mediocre life that requires little stretching. This ensures no disappointment, no accountability and no pressure.
By definition, destiny is a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency.
There are generally two schools of thought regarding destiny. One side says, destiny is already predetermined so really it doesn't require you to do anything except walk into it. The other says destiny is the sole product of what you make it to be and there are no outside influences at all. Personally, I tend to find myself balanced between both views. I believe that there is an overall plan from God for each person, but that plan will only be accomplished if there are corresponding actions attached. This means, as powerful as our destinies are, we have a natural and spiritual responsibility to participate in the glorious future we believe is ours. No action, no destiny!
Since destiny is a real process of corresponding actions, let's learn from the highly successful what it really takes to embrace our future:
• Destiny requires you to commit recklessly to your calling: In my profession I speak to plenty of people who feel they are not fulfilling their purpose on earth. They feel stuck and want to find out what it will take to break through those barriers. My counsel often shakes them up. Why? Because internally we all know what we should do, we just refuse to get off our butts to do it. My style of coaching is 10% information and 80% perspiration. Those who step across the lines of greatness are the same ones who live a life abandoned to their passions.
• Destiny requires you to hone the skills that serve your calling. One of the people whom I consider a long distance mentor, Tony Robbins always says, “Where your focus goes...energy flows!” We are so busy focused on our shortcoming and failures we miss the big idea. We possess in our DNA the code for greatness. We were born to reign but it requires a sacrifice to train. This is the disconnection between average and amazing. Destiny is about getting familiar with your natural ability and then sharpening every tool in your shed until you become an expert. Too often we settle for being a ‘Jack of All Trades’ and sadly, we master none.
• Destiny requires an adjustment to those who hang in our circle: Friends are a vital part of our development. Anyone who says they do not need anyone is either lying or very delusional. Where we miss it is with the screening process we have in place. Now understand me, I am not implying any person is better than another. But we must evaluate those we are connected with through the lens of our goals and not just our emotions. There are quality people out there but they may not be qualified to accompany us on our journey. Remember to choose your circle wisely. Who we connect with ultimately becomes who we are as well.
As I said, to truly embrace your destiny, it takes also embracing the presence of
the divine as the originator. Everything that exists does so because it has a function.
Things that no longer serve a 'need' are usually discarded. As we work to be sensitive to our inner leading, we will see our true power manifest. And the key is, we see more of our destiny in the moments we choose to move forward in our purpose.
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