5 Questions to Ask Yourself to See if You Are on the Right Path
The Danger of Momentum and the Power of Self-Reflection
Momentum. That invincible force that pushes us, drives us, and often defines the trajectory of our lives. One of the most powerful forces on one's journey to improving their life. Anyone who has felt what it's like to get the ball rolling on establishing healthy habits and moving closer to their goals knows what I'm talking about. It's like a river current, carrying you swiftly toward a better life and a greater version of yourself.
Yet, as with many forces in life, momentum is paradoxical. It's this same rapidity, this unrelenting force, that can at times blind us to the very essence of our journey. In our urgency to move, to act, and to conquer, we risk becoming mere participants in our own lives.
Consider what most people's lives look like. They resemble a never-ending "to-do" list. We transition from one task to another, from one goal to another, constantly in motion.
But, amidst this constant rolling of the ball, no matter how productive and constructive it may be, do we ever question: "What is the real impact of my actions on the world? Are these tasks genuinely aligning with my deeper purpose?"
Momentum, as much as it can transform our inner and outer worlds for the better, can prevent us from practicing one of the most important components of living a truly meaningful life: self-reflection. It is in pausing to look back on our journey from a distance that we get the most valuable insights necessary for continuing down the right path.
In a book that I recommended in my latest Monday Espresso edition, The Art of Taking Action, Gregg Krech gives us a beautiful and potent metaphor for the importance of this distance which allows for self-reflection.
"Distance can help you see your life more clearly and decide what needs doing. Distance provides perspective. It’s like creating a garden, putting plant after plant in the ground. Digging, planting, digging, planting. But at some point it’s helpful to walk to the end of the garden and look around. See the bigger picture. You may learn about placement, about sunlight, or about drainage—things that you wouldn’t see crouching down and putting in the next plant."
By using this metaphor, I believe most of us can admit that we easily get lost in digging and planting, not taking a step back to look at our garden.
In the relentless pursuit of 'more,' 'next', and 'faster,' don't forget the importance of 'now'. For it is in the present moment, during self-reflection, that you can truly steer the course of your life. So, while momentum is the wind in your sails, remember that self-reflection is your compass. Only when you use both of these forces can you truly navigate the vast oceans of life with purpose, meaning, and even joy, or make the garden of your life a project you are proud of.
Lastly, here is a list of some questions to ask yourself if you need help kickstarting your self-reflection. With time, you should be able to ask yourself questions that are more specific to your own journey.
-What is the impact of what I’m doing on the world around me?
-Is what I’m doing with my life the best way I can honor my potential and serve the world?
-Are my decisions and actions aligned with my values?
-Is there a better way to do what I’m already doing? A kinder, more ethical, and more healthy way (for me and those around me)?
-If my life were to end tomorrow, how would I feel about the way I am spending my life? What would I regret not doing more of?
I hope these questions lead you to some valuable conclusions about how to continue your journey.
Thank you for reading.
P.S.
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