All roads lead somewhere, but not every road leads to where you want to go. Therefore, before asking for directions, be sure of your destination. Have you ever seen someone asking for directions to a particular place? It can be disastrous to ask someone who does not know the destination to show you the way.
In life, everyone is heading somewhere, and it is your responsibility to know where you are going. Some people have a clear sense of direction, while many simply accept whatever situation they find themselves in as their lot.
Certain traits characterise people who have no clear vision of their life’s journey. Like someone who is unsure of his destination, they constantly depend on others for direction. They accept the counsel of equally uncertain people because they are not sure of themselves. Often, they follow popular opinion because they do not trust their own judgement. They imitate people they consider better or more successful.
If you are driving and looking for the correct turning or a landmark, you are likely to drive slowly and cautiously. In Lagos, many drivers have little patience with such motorists. They express their frustration by honking and sometimes using abusive language. Yet, being cautious is better than taking the wrong road simply because you are under pressure to move quickly.
There may be uncertainties that make you cautious about taking decisions and moving forward. However, excessive doubt and procrastination can waste valuable time. When your mind is clouded by fear and uncertainty, you may vacillate instead of acting. Such an attitude can prevent you from making meaningful progress.
Look at your friends and ask yourself whether they are helping you move towards your destination. A good friend is one who helps you become the person God created you to be. Your friends should be genuinely interested in your growth and success. Unfortunately, some people become envious of their friends’ achievements and speak about them disparagingly. Be careful about allowing people who have no sense of direction to determine yours.
Your daily habits also reveal much about you. How do you spend your morning hours? How early does your day begin? Some people spend their most productive hours on frivolities. The time lost in the morning cannot be recovered later in the day. My mother used to say that if the morning sun could not dry your clothes, the evening sun would not do it.
Your activities should be prioritised if they are to take you towards your desired destination. Do you have a ‘to-do’ list? Without some form of planning, you may spend your day attending to whatever comes before you while neglecting what is truly important.
As we grow older, we become more conscious of the proper use of time. Senior citizens, in particular, need to regulate their activities and conserve their time and energy. Meetings and social engagements should be evaluated because not everything demands our attention. Paul said: “I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV).
Your library and the books you read can also reveal your goals and aspirations. At different stages of life, reading often becomes more focused. You move from general-interest books to acquiring specialised knowledge for a particular purpose. Continuous learning and self-development help to prepare you for the destination you have chosen.
Your leisure activities matter too. How much time do you spend sitting in front of the television? Excessive sedentary behaviour and insufficient physical activity are associated with several health problems, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. What programmes do you watch? Not everything that entertains you necessarily enriches you. Your choices can reveal your interests, passions and, sometimes, the direction of your life.
Your diet also has implications for your health and longevity. People who understand the value of their future should pay attention to what they eat and drink. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks and diets high in refined carbohydrates can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
What about your hobbies? Are they developing you physically, mentally or spiritually? Are they enriching your life and making you more productive, or are they merely filling your spare time?
Above all, do you have quiet moments when you are alone with God? You need God’s presence to keep you on the right path. Moses understood this when he said, “If your Presence do
