New Lens for New Lanes

Navigating life’s intricate laneways we often find ourselves either of thinking “I’m so lost” or “I’m heading the right way.”

It was along one of these laneways many years ago that I made a decision that has transformed the lens I have on the lane of life ahead.

I made a conscious decision to stop using the yardstick of others to measure my success. Let me qualify that statement… in life there are most definitely absolute, objective indicators of how one should aspire to live. This might take the form of being a kind person, doing good works or living a financially comfortable life.

What I have refused to do is use the subjective yardstick of people to dictate my happiness. I say this because there was a time when I was susceptible to chase the latest trend, to be the ‘It’ guy that had to have the latest ‘whatever’ that portrayed success. This portrait of success was one painted by people around me according to their own desires and not based necessarily on the most relevant way for ‘I’ to live.

My decision years ago, now affords me the freedom to pursue life on my own terms on the foundation of absolute measures of success that are long lasting and wholesome. This has brought me tremendous growth..

The greatest benefit I have seen is the resilience this decision has built in me.. When life gets tough.. because my measure of success is not based on a fickle instant gratification, I’m able to withstand the challenges life throws at me.

The crucial takeaway has been that each person’s lens needs to be the right one for the laneway they’re on. What might be appropriate for someone else, may be detrimental to you. True wisdom comes in navigating this divide and finding happiness on the path that is right for you.