It really isn’t hard to find your way around these days. There are signs everywhere, and if you follow them, you will end up where you want to be. If you don’t, you will end up where you end up. So, let me suggest, if you want to save time, energy, and live your best life possible, follow the signs.
I am great at giving amazing advice, at times however, not so great at following it myself! I think we are all guilty of not seeing and following the signs at times in our life, even when the path laid out is so clear and simple, and, the destination so predictable.
I woke up last Sunday in Sydney and decided to go for a run. I was staying very close to the harbour bridge and so I decided to see if I could run across it. I thought to myself, there must be signs that will direct me as to where to go and how to get there. So, off I went, and, in fact, it was not too long before I came across a sign pointing in the direction I needed to go to get to the harbour bridge walking/running path. Incredibly, I didn’t follow the sign. I looked at where it was pointing, and then I looked at the bridge, and erroneously thought to myself, there must be an easier way. Have you ever said that to yourself about something? How did it turn out? Probably the same way it turned out for me.
I took off in my direction, and came upon one dead end after another, until 15-20 minutes later, I finally came to my senses. I went back to that first sign I found, followed it and, surprise surprise, it took me directly to the harbour bridge path. There are really no surprises about that one, are there? As I was running across the bridge marveling at the incredible structure, and looking out over the breathtaking views to the Opera House and beyond, I thought to myself, why didn’t I just follow the sign in the first place?
I can’t give you a sensible answer to that question, just as I can’t give you a sensible answer to the same question about many other signs in my life. Signs like a café falling deeper into debt every day, leading to it spiraling predictably into a $100,000 deficit. Signs like a relationship in conflict that inevitably led to more than one divorce. Signs that are there every single moment of every single day that we either choose to follow, or not. I am here to say in no uncertain terms, follow the signs or be prepared for the consequences.
The consequence of taking an additional 15-20 minutes to find the Sydney Harbour Bridge path, is far from devastating, but many other signs we ignore will be potentially more than devastating. Ignoring the signs to do something about your health could mean the end of your life. Disregarding the signs that your relationship is in trouble could mean the end of that relationship. Overlooking the signs that you need to change your spending habits could lead to crushing debt. Closing your eyes to the signs that stress is an issue in your life may lead to a life-altering addiction. The signs all point somewhere, pay attention, and follow the signs that will lead you to where you want to go, and, don’t question them the way I have in my life.
You know what I mean, don’t you? You are aware of the signs that are right in front of your face, aren’t you? What if you follow the signs that lead you to eating better, more exercise, investing time in building relationships, in prayer, in meditation, in saving and investing your money, and in building a strong self-worth? Life would start to change pretty significantly, don’t you think? The signs are there in front of your face. You just need to open your eyes to see them, and then – and I am talking to myself here – actually follow them.
In my podcast this week with Benjamin Smith called, Life through the nose, we talk about the obvious signs that can help lead to optimal wellbeing using his Ultimate Health Model. As you look up from this blog and reflect on yourself and your life, what sign is right in front of your face that you have been disregarding to this point? Can I make a suggestion? Pay attention to it, think about where you are heading by continually ignoring it, and if you want something better, then start following it. You can have, do, and be anything you want. All you need to do is follow the signs.