Direction

Direction is primarily for those who want to go somewhere. We all get somewhere, some unintentionally and others with a planned strategy. To arrive is not the only goal, but also how we travel this path of life and sustain ourselves once we get there.

What direction guides our steps? Are we going our own way or allowing values and principles to guide us? We have to do what we know is right. An honest heart looks for the truth. If we are honest with ourselves, our creator can influence us through our conscience and we can be influenced by those whose lives are also based on principles. We all need guidance in order to stay on the right path and reach our goals, but we don’t become great by being mentored by a bad instructor.

Only what is moving needs direction. Do we take calculated risks or avoid decisions by hiding? Our plans and intentions need to be evaluated. Faith and confidence comes from the truth in our hearts. If your conscience is condemning you then you know you are doing something you should not be doing.

Those who live a principled life and are led by them will display several characteristics. They are honest with themselves and do what lines up with their values and principles. They are looking for and responding to the truth. The truth creates an atmosphere that generates life, freedom and prosperity. They accept the direction that values and principles take them because they are confident in them.

If we allow ourselves to be led by principles we will have the following benefits:

1. We take positive steps. The principles show us the way.

2. Freedom from guilt which takes away our confidence. Guilt not only destroys our edge in business but also in our lives because we lose our direction and then begin to doubt ourselves. When people see us guided by good principles they gain confidence in us.

3. We will feel fulfilled. We know where we are going in life and what we are doing, that produces joy in our lives. We have a goal and we are truly happy when we reach it.

4. We don’t cause difficulties by doing something wrong that will cost us. Sticking to the principles will keep us from complicating our lives.

5. It brings great personal growth. The process of life is like going up a set of stairs, we go step by step following the order to go up. If we don’t use the principles at each stage in our life, we won’t find the next step and we will lose our confidence. We can’t keep going up without a firm foundation on the current and previous steps we have taken.

1. Be honest with yourself and compare your actions with the principles. In this way you can be sure your way is based on truth. You will not grow and prosper if you are dishonest with yourself because you will not find the right direction for your life.

2. Research, analyze, and internalize the truth that the universal principles proclaim. This process will maintain honesty and clarity in everything you do.

3. During times of difficulty and confusion, use the universal principles like an infallible guide, this will make you confident about outcomes and motivated to continue on your journey.

4. When things seem to go wrong, keep doing what is right because in the end it will work out and eventually you will achieve your goals and have nothing to hide.

It is important to try to understand why things are the way they are, however there is also a time when we need to put our trust in our values and in the way we’ve conducted ourselves. We do this by acting according to the principles and keep moving forward in the direction that we’ve set out ahead of ourselves. This will give us success and stability and make us examples for others to follow. It is not always the easy way, but it is the right way and will prove out in the end.

Think of a situation where you were guided by a universal principle.

Have you ever taken a shortcut? What was the result? Were you happy with yourself?

What have you done based on a principle that gave you complete confidence that you were doing the right thing?