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Do you think you’re on the right track?
Asking ourselves this question in itself can be a problem. The issue isn’t whether or not we’re on the ‘right’ track; it’s that we think there’s a ‘right’ track to begin with.
All too often I find myself striving for this insatiable “right track,” as if there’s some place I’m “supposed” to be and some outside authority who can validate it for me.
While there’s nothing wrong with us seeking guidance, feedback, and support from mentors, friends, family members, coaches, counselors, teachers, experts, and more — our deepest truth comes from within.
It seems to be less a matter of making sure we’re on the “right” track and more a matter of living in alignment with who we are and what’s most important to us.
Things to Consider When You Question Whether You’re On The Right Track
With all of the ideas, opinions, and influences around us (and in our own heads) living in authentic alignment isn’t always the easiest thing for us to do. Here are a few things we can think about and practice to deepen our capacity for this.
1) Listen to your inner wisdom
How many times in your life have you thought to yourself, “I should have listened to my intuition on this?” Often in hindsight after we’ve made a mistake, had a lapse in judgment, or experienced something painful, we realize that at some level we already knew it would turn out that way, we just didn’t listen to our instincts.
Whether it shows up as a gut feeling, an intuitive sense, or just a thought, our inner wisdom is important. By increasing our willingness to acknowledge and listen to this internal wisdom, we enhance our ability to lead authentic, truthful, and aligned lives.
2) Trust yourself
It’s one thing to pay attention to our inner wisdom and a whole other thing to actually trust it.
Do you actually trust yourself at a deep level?
Many of us just don’t trust that it’s safe to trust, which then causes us to doubt ourselves. So often we let our brain, our logic, or the feedback of others override our deeper knowing and gut instincts.
While it’s not always easy to do, trusting ourselves and our inner guidance is essential. The more willing we are to listen and to trust the wisdom that comes from within, the less likely we are to give away our power to others and to the circumstances of our lives.
3) Be willing to change
Change is a funny thing. Most of us seek and fear it simultaneously. As much as I like to think of myself as someone who embraces change and is flexible, I often find myself more resistant and rigid than I’d like to admit.
One of the biggest things that can stop us from going for things, being bold, and making commitments in life is our fear of changing our minds. Ironically, the more we embrace change the more authentically we’re able to commit and go for what we truly want.
Being willing to trust ourselves, while sometimes scary and vulnerable, is foundational to embracing change and creating the life we truly want.
We’re actually never on the right or wrong track — we’re simply on the track we’re on.
When we let go of our judgment about where we are and where we think we should be, we’re able to appreciate our lives, the people around us, and ourselves in a genuine way.
From this perspective, we can consciously choose to make changes with the intention of enhancing the quality of our lives.
How does this relate to where you are in your life right now? Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
This article was originally published in 2013 and updated for 2023.