Picture the calm ebbs and flows of the ocean as your long-awaited vacation begins. The countdown ceases, and time gently slips away. Stephen Covey encourages us to embrace life by following a compass, not a clock, and discover our true direction.
Join me as I share how this philosophy was captured in a travel moment.
Stephen Covey once said, ‘Live your life by a compass, not a clock.’ This quote reminds us to focus on our true direction, not just the passage of time.
Personal Journey: Finding My True Direction
I remember a time in my life when I felt a deep lack of true direction. Like so many of us, I naturally moved on to university after high school. However, once I was away from my family, I realized I had never truly dealt with the loss and grief of my parents’ passing years before.
These feelings of loneliness and aimlessness were foreign to me, as they had never been characteristic of who I was. I tried to bury these emotions by focusing on school, following the path society expected of me. But gradually, the school began to lose its authority and appeal.
Finding my turning Point: In Australia
I turned to two of my passions, for clarity: travel and service. Where would my wandering and aimless heart take me, but the land down under! Australia—the land filled with animals that could kill you—provided me with an escape and a new perspective to make a pivot in life.
I spent two weeks volunteering on conservation projects and another two weeks on an adventure tour. Volunteering and daring activities like rock climbing and rafting reawakened my drive. Though I still wondered what to do career-wise, I wasn’t weighed down by the uncertainty; instead, I felt rejuvenated and ready to figure it out.
There’s a mantra I live by. I can’t quite place where and when it came about, but it has always held: “I’m exactly where I need to be when I need to be there.” Grief doesn’t just go away—albeit it’s something you learn to live with. My adventure to Australia, coupled with counseling, gave my life a new direction.
Embracing my New & True Direction in Colorado
In response, I moved to Colorado for a fresh start. I spent a year with AmeriCorps—my passion for service—leading me to discover my love for teaching.
My compass is my adventurous spirit, and Covey’s quote helps me stay focused on my true direction. Grief was a challenge, but I learned to let go of comparisons and societal expectations. I remember that I’m exactly where I need to be on my path, no matter how winding it may be.
No one is promised time, so it should never be our main focus. Instead, we should strive for a life well lived. Others can inspire us, but we must steer our course and be the captains of our direction.
Anywho I’m rambling…
Further Explanation
Covey’s quote reminds us that living by a compass means being guided by our inner values and purpose, rather than merely keeping track of time and deadlines. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters and aligning our actions with our long-term vision.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the clock—constantly rushing from one task to another or comparing our progress to others. However, by using a compass, we can ensure that our journey is meaningful and fulfilling, not just efficient and focused on comparison.
Questions to Ponder:
I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. How do you navigate your life’s journey? Share your thoughts on the Instagram post for this blog post.
“Have you ever felt like you were living by the clock rather than by a compass? What changes did you make to realign your life with your true direction? And whose clock were you living by?”
“What are some ways you can incorporate the idea of living by a compass into your daily routine? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!”
