Sense of Direction

It is all well and good when someone says one has to apply their talents to have success, but what if the person in question is a little tentative about what they want to do. Ideas are a dime a dozen and very attractive when one comes up with them, but bringing them into reality is an entirely different matter. While assessing talents can give an idea as to what is viable for someone, a clear cut goal is the only way to focus those talents in a constructive fashion. In other words, if one isn’t getting far in life, it might be the result of aimlessness.

Having an idea of what to do doesn’t necessarily indicate a definitive direction. Say an individual wants to become an artist; the reasonable person would ask, “What kind?” After all, there are a variety of directions one could go in, such as graphic artist, painter, illustrator, animator, cartoonist, special effects technician and so on. If the individual falters or says, “Wow, I hadn’t really thought about it,” the problem is apparent. The aspiration isn’t properly developed which leads to a lot of expended and scattered energy with minimal result to show for it.

The first thing one needs to do is put their desired goal in context. Exactly what do they want to do in that field? What are the various options available? What steps need to be taken for each? Does it appeal or put off? Of course, to get these answers, one is expected to do a little research. Find out what it’s like to work in that field. Ask some professionals their opinions. Check out the colleges, trade schools and institutes that offer training in such areas. Take a good look at the various approaches available to reaching the goal and see which ones will work the best for your circumstances.

The other benefit that comes from doing proper research is that other possibilities can become excellent back-up plans. After all, no matter how much a particular approach might be appealing, there is no guarantee that something won’t get in the way. It is also possible to learn about aspects of an intended goal that isn’t obvious from the outside. One could very easily learn why what sounded like a good idea really isn’t. Think of the number of people who go into a type of work with specific expectations only to find they really hate it once they start.

Once all the avenues have been explored and considered, it is easier to narrow down what direction should be taken to realize the goal. If one’s talents and interests fit in with that goal, they are set to go. Furthermore, it allows one to be better prepared should something go wrong with their plans. Options and resources that could help to right things are already in hand. Plus, as one approaches the realization of the goal, they may find one of the people who helped in the beginning could be a valuable connection to move everything to the next level.

A sense of direction, a firm idea of how to realize what you want to do, but not so concrete in its conception that there isn’t room to make changes, is the only way to realize your expectations. Consider how aimlessness might have affected the outcome of goals that fell short in the past and learn from those mistakes.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How specific are your aims?
• Do you know all there is to know about your desired goals?
• What resources have you overlooked?
• What alternatives exist if your first choice doesn’t work out?
• Are you familiar with the negative aspects of your directive?