Life would be very easy if there was only one right path to choose. Then we all could take that path with the knowledge that we’d made the right choice. And anyone who didn’t choose that path simply would be foolish. If only life was that simple!
Unfortunately, we are all different. We each were born with different personalities and skillsets. So, the right path for another person may not be the right path for you. In many respects, the search for one’s right path in life is a lonely one.
Now there are lots of signs to know if we are on the wrong path. If we are on the wrong path, our lives may be littered with broken or dysfunctional relationships. Or we may suffer from an addiction. We may feel uneasy, unfulfilled or stressed out. Or our finances may be a mess due to overspending. Frankly, when we are on the wrong path, it’s fairly obvious.
But knowing if we are on the right path is more challenging. Below are signs to look for to know that you are on the right path in life. Keep an eye out for them. When you see these signs in your life, you can be assured that you are on the right path!
You Are Regularly in the Zone
When we are on the right path in life, we spend large parts of our day being in the “zone.” Being in the zone refers to a state of mind in which you are so engrossed in what you are doing that nothing can distract you.
Being in the zone feels good. When we are in the zone, our bodies and our minds are aligned. We are focused on one thing. We aren’t doing one thing while thinking about another.
Of course, we all know what it’s like to not be in the zone. For example, let’s say your job is unfulfilling and bores you. As a result, when you are at work, you simply go through the motions of doing your job while thinking about something completely different. Or let’s say that you are in a bad relationship. Because you are unhappy in the relationship, whenever you are with your significant other, instead of enjoying that person’s company, your mind is elsewhere. When we aren’t on the right path in life, either in our career or our relationships, we struggle to be fully present in the here and now.
If you find yourself regularly distracted in life and wishing that you were somewhere else (or with someone else), then you aren’t on the right path. Being on the right path will result in your being in “the zone” on a regular basis. You won’t be regularly doing one thing while thinking about something completely different. Instead, if you are on the right path, you’ll want to be exactly where you are, fully present in each moment.
Your Past Doesn’t Consume Your Attention
When we are on the right path, we feel good about where we are today, and where our life is heading in the future. So, past mistakes and misfortunes don’t consume our attention. We are too excited about the here and now.
Unfortunately, if you aren’t on the right path, then your past will take up a lot of your mental energy. You’ll either spend your days being frustrated over the things that went wrong years ago. Or you’ll idealize the past, and wish that you were back in “the good old days.”
But when your life is on the right path, you’ll find that your interest in the past wanes significantly. That is because your present and your future are what interest you.
For example, if I currently have a career that suits my skills and which I find rewarding, then my past jobs won’t be on my mind. Similarly, if I am in a good relationship, then I won’t be pining for past relationships. Nor will I be consumed with anger or regret over past relationship mistakes. Instead, I’ll be focused on my present relationships.
So, when we are on the right path, the past is just that – the past. We may appreciate our past. Or we may have some regrets. But none of those feelings will take up our mental energy today. Because today is just too good!
You Have Benevolent Feelings Toward Others
One sure sign that you are on the right path in life is that you have feelings of goodwill toward all. You hope that everyone you meet (or have ever met) – friends or enemies – all are happy, healthy and successful.
There is a lovely French term which encapsulates this idea – bonhomie. Bonhomie is defined as a frank and simple good-heartedness. Someone with bonhomie has a good-natured manner. That person is always friendly and cheerful. If you are on the right path in life, you will exude bonhomie toward all!
When we are on the right path in life we have bonhomie because we feel at ease with ourselves and our place in the world. We feel good about our present and the direction of our future. Our career, relationships and interests all naturally suit us.
When we are frustrated with life, it is hard to muster up goodwill toward anyone. Instead, we resent others. We feel discouraged if we see others’ lives going well when ours isn’t. But when our lives are heading in the right direction, we naturally wish others well. We feel nothing but goodwill toward the world.
You Feel Good About How You Conduct Yourself
One sure sign that you are on the wrong path in life is if you feel discomfort with your behavior. When we feel uneasy, that is a sign that we are doing something we shouldn’t be doing. That feeling of unease is our brain’s way of telling us that we’re doing something doesn’t align with our ethics or desires.
Now there are times when it is good for us experience discomfort, such as when we do things that are outside of our “comfort zone.” But realize that purpose of getting out of your comfort zone is to stretch your skills. That may involve learning a new language or a new instrument. However, getting out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean doing things that are stupid, like stealing, hitchhiking or experimenting with drugs. When we do things dumb things like that, we naturally are uncomfortable because our brains are sending us a very clear message: Stop being stupid.
When we are on the right path, we behave in a safe and ethical manner. We operate responsibly in terms of our finances and personal responsibilities. And as a result, we feel comfortable with ourselves and our actions. That feeling of comfort with how you conduct yourself is a sure sign that you are on the right path.
If you are trying to figure out if you are on the right path in life, consider whether you are experiencing some of the signs above. Realize that when we are on the right path in life, everything falls into place. And that feels great! (To read about how to follow your own path in life, click here.)
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