Are you treating life like a race, moving through it on autopilot, hoping to succeed because of the time and effort you are putting in? Richard L. Evans said, “Your direction is more important than your speed.” If you are working hard, moving fast, but heading towards the edge of a cliff, it doesn’t matter. It is better to take one step at a time, with a clear direction and destination in mind.
Racing in the wrong direction
Going fast means nothing if you are chasing the wrong goal or doing a poor job. Running on autopilot and processing things quickly uses up your time, energy, capacity for stress, and your self-esteem. It is exhausting to pour all your effort into life to have it feel like it’s not where you thought it would be.
The further you travel in the wrong direction, the farther away you are from the right destination. Therefore, every step you take is counterproductive. If you have been moving in the wrong direction, it will take longer to get back on track, and achieving your goals might take longer.
Every step you take is progress
Having clear, attainable milestones that put you in the right direction on course for the right destination will lead to success. The best way to achieve this is to stop and evaluate where you are and where you would like to be. Then, make each of your forward steps with intention and in the right direction.
When goal-setting for your journey to success, the criteria under which you create your goals matter. You should make sure they are “SMART,” or:
Specific – instead of “earn more money,” try “earn $10,000 more per year.”
Measurable – set goals designed so you can track how close to your goal you are
Achievable – do not set impossible goals; set yourself up for success
Relevant – does your milestone goal help you achieve your long-term goal?
Time-bound – give yourself a realistic deadline to achieve your milestones
Stay focused on your goals
Once you have your long-term, short-term, and milestone goals decided, you should stay focused on them. Commit yourself to staying on the right track to achieving them and heading in the right direction.
It is normal to be distracted or to meet challenges along the way. However, if you do your best to recognize when this happens, refocus on your goals, and do not skip any steps, you can continue your journey to success.
Final thoughts
If you are going through life on autopilot with no clear direction, no goals, looking for shortcuts, and wasting your energy, then you are not using your time wisely. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Make sure that step is in the right direction.