Compass vs maps with exact directions
Finding your inner compass to achieve self-actualisation in life.
This post will demonstrate how having a strong inner compass can lead to find your purpose (self-actualisation) in life.
simple terms
Compass = an instrument containing a magnetised pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.
Map = a diagrammatic representation of an area showing a clear path from one point (start) to end point (finish).
compass vs maps
It’s good to have map that clearly defines the route, properly laid out to guide you from one place to your destination, much like navigating from your house to a friend's house. It sounds simple to always have a map handy with exact direction with you, that can be pulled from your pocket, showing you the way to the destination in the smallest amount of time.
Though how many times can you reach into your pocket when you are at the cross roads in life, that has a clear map with exact directions such as below that takes you to the next destination point in life…
Take a left
Then a right
Continue straight at the roundabout
Go straight for another 50 metres, and your destination will be on the left.
Once the goal has been set, success can appear straightforward at the outset. Though 99% of the time it’s the squiggly line on the right hand side.
You may have seen the image above many times, and it makes sense in principle. However, it can be hard to practise when life throws different curveballs when striving to achieve a goal. Most of us get stuck in squiggly line, feel discouraged and lose hope on our set destination…
an example
Let’s say you’ve set a goal to climb a mountain in a dense forest. The mountain is clearly visible from the ground, and when you begin the climb, it seems like a straightforward path can be mapped from bottom to top…
As you journey towards the top of the mountain, you encounter a dense patch of trees that obscures your view of the mountain. The clear map you had at the start, guiding you from the bottom to the top, no longer applies. It feels like you've been circling around for days on end, unable to make progress.
You remember you have a compass in your pocket and pull it out. The compass points consistently toward the top of the mountain, guiding you through the dense forest. You start focusing on the bigger picture with the goal in MinD and trusting the compass.
Days pass by, and you find yourself still navigating through the dense forest with no sight of the mountain top. Despite this, you maintain trust that the compass is leading you in the right direction.
Finally, one day, you catch a glimpse of the tip of the mountain. It's an instant moment of gratification, and from this point onward, the path to the top becomes clearer and easier.
a simple summary to the MinDvesting philosophy from todays post:
In challenging times when goals seem distant and progress unclear, the example of navigating through dense forest towards a mountain top illustrates a profound lesson. Just as relying on an inner compass guided the journey through obstacles, so too can one find direction and purpose in life (self-actualization). By trusting this inner compass, individuals can chart their own path forward, creating a personalised map towards their goals.
By finding and following your inner compass, you can navigate towards self-actualisation — a state where you fulfill your potential and achieve a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning in life.
Remember the limiting factor in your journey is only the MinD. Keep investing in the MinD to find your purpose in life…
“Keep going; don’t change your path” - Mitsuo Aida.