Is My Life On Track Or Is It Wishful Thinking?
Want to have some fun? Google the words “How To Tell Your Life Is On Track.” Surprisingly, you will have over 151 MILLION search results. That’s 151 with six zeros. Everything from “10 signs your life is on track,” “15 signs your life is more on track than you may think,” “How to get your life back on track when things are out of control,” and we can’t forget “The ultimate test to see if your life is on track.” Oh please, sign me up; I hope I pass.
Now I am not saying I know the sure-fire way to tell if your life is on track, only you can do that. But I do know some ways to see if you are doing well. Just remember though, it’s all about you. You can’t compare your “wellness in life” to your family, friends or neighbors.
I would recommend that you evaluate the following areas at least on an annual basis to start. Then as you find yourself sailing down the rails, consider doing it quarterly.
Here is what to consider and look for.
You can see the future you want and is it YOUR vision not someone else’s? Basically, if you have graduated high school (or are old enough to have) and you don’t have a clue as to what you want to do, chances are the track you are on is headed to disaster. On the other hand, if you have an idea and are actively working towards it, even if you are working the pump trolley on your own, you are making progress. Just remember to find something. You can always switch tracks later.
Are you an engineer or a brakeman? Are you learning what it takes to run the tracks the way you want. Or are you consistently doing things that slow you down?
Did you pay for your ticket or did someone have to buy it for you? I know this sounds funny but let me explain. Having the cash to buy something or a good credit score that allows you to buy something is much better than not having anything and someone else has to do it for you. The first one let’s you ride in the Pullman Car and the latter has you shoveling the coal.
Is your “social life” more than online? So what if you have 5000 friends on Facebook, 15,000 followers on Instagram, and the Prime Minister of I don’t care liked your tweet. The social media world is not being social. You need to interact with others face to face. (not Zoom or Facetime or Google Meets) You need that real relationship, that shoulder to cry on, that person that has your back. When you have that, your rails are smooth.
You don’t worry about food or shelter. When most of the world doesn’t have food, water or shelter and you have all of that. It’s hard to be derailed when this is going for you.
Has your ticket taken you further down the track? When you evaluate your ride on an annual basis, do you find that this ride has taken you further? Are you ahead of where you were last year? This is a great way to see if you are on the right track.
You can ride the rails anytime you want being the best version of you. I don’t know about you but far too many times people try to be something they are not. If you go through life feeling bound to be someone you’re not, you are headed to derailment. But if you know who you are and you choose to live that life, the world will keep laying track making your journey virtually endless.
Everyone’s life can jump the tracks every now and then. The important thing is to recognize it and take the appropriate steps to right the train and continue. If you have goals, you’re making progress towards those goals, you have real live people in your life, and you have a place to call home, I say you are ready for the conductor to punch your ticket. If not, that’s ok, you can still hit the switch and reroute your life on a different track that is better suited for you.
Until next time,
Jeff
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Photo by Mihai Lazăr on Unsplash