GPS technology only works when two factors are present: An accurate “current location,” and an exact address for point of destination.
The word success is vague and means something different to most people. It is like setting up your GPS to go “that way.” (As an aside, “that way” is apparently a place on WAZE in Lake Jackson, Texas. But do you want to go there? That is the question).
The reality is you can’t GO without knowing where you are going to.
Are you chasing prestige, title, or reputation?
Are you chasing money?
What about significance?
Or is it something else altogether?
I am not going to tell you how to define go, but avoiding ending up at the wrong destination is how to live a successful life.
Bonus content
Want an idea on how to do this? Earlier in the pandemic I spent a morning thinking about two questions:
What really matters to me long-term?
What do I want to be known for when I am gone?
My answers were the following:
- I want to be known as a follower of Jesus.
- Married to Sarah (emphasizing that we finished the race well)
- Kids that follow Jesus (I cannot control this, but I want to make sure there are no regrets in how I shared the Gospel with them. Ultimately, faith has to be their own.)
- Generous – I want to be known as a sacrificial giver.
- Valuable to the local community.
Number 1 and 2 above are the foundation for me. I have discovered that if I get those right, I am the best possible leader I can be at work, home, and elsewhere because I am centered and whole.
Finally, notice what is not in that list: Making money, building a huge business, or becoming a known speaker and writer, etc. Some of those things are probably on a longer list, but they do not “define go” for me because if I achieve them and neglect the top five, I won’t be successful.
Your list will most definitely be different than mine and that is what makes the world go round. The point today is to spend 30 minutes creating a list and defining go.