Nowhere Fast

There is a romantic idea of just heading out on the road and going to wherever you end up.  It is that idea of being free to go where the wind takes you; doing what you what, and when you want to do it.  The problem is, like all romantic ideas, the reality is much harder than fantasy.  It is hard to wander aimlessly here and there.  And it gets old quick.

                I remember back in the 50's and early 60's when I was a boy, we had the idea that being a hobo was exciting and full of wonder.  It was the dream of total freedom and carefree living. When I got into my teens, during the 60’s, I became a Hippie and tried to live out my dream. I hitchhiked across the U.S. five times and twice across Canada. I will be honest and say that I did get to see things I would have never seen before, however, there was a cost.

                I learned what it was like to never know what was around the next corner; to sleep in open fields and in the back of cars. I ate from trash bins behind grocery stores and stood in a cold rain for hours waiting for some driver to take pity on me. In the end, I arrived nowhere with nothing by memories to show for my efforts. The romance was definitely better than the reality.

                Your life is more than a trip to nowhere.  I know that many today feel that is just where they are headed, but it does not have to be that way.  You can end up somewhere - somewhere good - it is all up to you.  Yes, there is a cost.  It will take hard work, responsibility, and determination.  All the things we think need to be left behind to have freedom.  That is the biggest lie of all.

                Freedom is not a lack of responsibility and living off others.  If you do not take control (responsibility) of your life, someone else will.  When you must live off others, you become a slave to others.  I know that some see entitlements as something they "deserve" and the fact that they do not have to work to get along appeals to them.  However, if the government or someone else supports you, they own you.  Without them you end up with nothing and believe me, they know that fact.

"It is just as hard to reach a place you don't know as it is to return from a place

where you have not been."

- Zig Ziglar

(1926-2012)

Author/Speaker

                When you take control of your life and know where you are going, you gain the greatest of all freedoms.  You can become who YOU want to become.  You can have what YOU choose to have.  If you succeed, YOU succeed.  If you fail, YOU fail and YOU can learn and grow from that failure.  The greatest power in the world is the power of choice.  YOU choose and YOU benefit.

                There are three things you need to do to take control of your destiny and become all you are meant to be.

1)  Know Where You Are Going

                Never allow others to tell you what your life will be and what you will do.  That choice God has reserved for you alone.  You were created with a purpose, a dream.  Notice I said "with" a purpose, not for a purpose.  Know what it is you want and where you are going and you will be halfway there.

2)  Be Willing to Do Whatever It Takes

                When I say, "whatever it takes" I am never referring to anything wrong, dishonest or hurtful.  "Whatever it takes" means that you will work as hard as you must to succeed.  You will sacrifice the current pleasures for those down the road.  You will become the person who you must become to succeed.  Most importantly, you will take responsibility for your life.

3)  Stay with It

                Never give up.  Never compromise on something less than your dream.  Never give in to pressures, disappointments or problems.  Be an overcomer and be strong.  Know that for those who have determination and persistence, there is no failure.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for the free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve your dreams.  

© 2018 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without permission of the author.