Ever find yourself thinking, “Where the hell am I going?” You’re not alone. I’ve had that thought pop into my head more times than I can count.

So, where is your career going?

Or better yet, where is your life going?

Looking back, I can see that every experience every stumble, had a purpose. Even though, at the time, it often felt like I was wandering aimlessly. Each mistake nudged me, sometimes shoved me, in the direction I needed to go. And now, here I am. But have you ever sat back and considered what it took to get you where you are now?

Choosing Your Direction

Sure, not all of those memories are going to be happy or successful ones. But the truth is, we do have a choice in where we end up. More importantly, we can choose how quickly we learn from our mistakes.

It’s all well and good to be philosophical about it, but let’s get practical. Here are a few lessons that can help guide you, whether you’re navigating your career or personal life, or just trying to figure out where you stand.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Check Your Reactions: When someone says something that really pisses you off, take a moment to ask yourself why you’re reacting so strongly. Often, they’ve hit a nerve—maybe something you’re not ready to face. Pause, don’t react immediately, and consider what truth might be lurking in their words.

Perspective Matters: Is it really a disaster? Words like “devastated” or “ruined” get thrown around far too easily. Real devastation is something like a natural disaster, not a colleague criticising your work. Put things into perspective. Are you overreacting? Adjust your language to match the situation, and avoid blowing things out of proportion. Don’t be a drama queen.

Mind Your Words: How often have you heard (or said) things like “I just can’t do this” or “I’ve never been able to…”? Those phrases are just cop-outs. Most of the time, people haven’t really tried or given up before they even started. If you don’t want to do something, fine. Just don’t hide behind excuses. Using defeatist language doesn’t help you grow—it keeps you stuck. Instead, be honest with yourself and take responsibility. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s empowering.

Owning Your Journey

Let’s be real—reacting impulsively, making everything a catastrophe, or deciding you can’t do something before you’ve even tried are behaviours that hold you back. But here’s the thing: you have the power to change that. Own your actions and words, and watch how they shift your perspective, career, and life.

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