I recently had a personal revelation that has transformed my life: I was living life as a passenger. I had all the capabilities, training and innate desire of a driver, yet I was still just riding shotgun. I was watching the journey I’m on with others in the driver’s seat, looking out the window and admiring all around me, but not having any control about where I was going. It made me realize that although I am clear in my path and direction, I still allowed other forces/people to “drive” my path through education, coaching, established procedures, etc. I’ll never get to my destination, or even enjoy my own personalized journey, if I allow others to continue driving my life.

I decided to take control of the wheel and start doing the driving. And it is actually not about control. To a certain extent, of course it is. I want to be able to control where I am going; but the beauty of this, is actually being in the driver’s seat is more about freedom of expression rather than control. I don’t need to be tunnel-visioned as the driver. I have no issues relying on either my own intuitive sense of direction, or calling upon a GPS (i.e. leader, mentor) for guidance when needed. It is still important for me to trust established maps and respect well-planned out routes of those who have already mastered the trip and have crucial wisdom to share with me.

But as the driver, I can choose my path and experience it all for myself; the exact direction, how long it takes, learning from the breakdowns, tire changes and getting lost, the music I’m jamming to and the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair with the windows rolled down. The best part? If I see something unique out the window, I have the power to exit off the highway and see where that adventure takes me…and I can always get back on the highway after the detour if that still feels right, or continue in a completely unexpected direction.

The point is to not let others drive your life. Let them be your GPS system; and there are many different suggested routes to take. But in the end, it’s all about where YOU want to drive, and the path you are called to take. Get out of the backseat, stop watching out the window and steer your life in the direction you want to go. You have the power to be a driver instead of a passenger; so grab that steering wheel and enjoy the ride!