Walking Your Own Blueprint

Over the weekend, while conversing with a colleague, I found myself reflecting on the question of ‘why’–the inspiration behind what we do. Over and above just the generalities of what we believe, into the deeper conviction that drives how, when, and why we act.

We live in a world shaped by trends, ideas, and practices repeated so often that they begin to feel like the only way forward. Take, for example, the relentless push for “hustle culture.” It’s echoed everywhere as the path to success, yet many never stop to ask whether that is truly their path, or just a narrative they’ve unconsciously embraced.

My colleague shared how she’d long carried a dream, but delayed pursuing it because she was waiting for validation, hoping for buy-in, and feeling pressured to replicate the path of others who had gone before her.

But who really needs another carbon copy of what already exists? And why do many find themselves entangled by similar fears?

Thankfully, her shackles broke when she stopped asking the world for permission and  began to follow her intuition—taking seemingly small, imperfect steps and aligning with her own blueprint. Along the way, well-meaning voices offered advice, but she learned to filter input through the lens of her vision and blueprint, not theirs. She always looks within for direction.

How often do we look at people we consider “successful” and wonder how they got there? Often, it wasn’t a grand leap; it was one deliberate step after another,  deeply anchored in their own conviction.

Over time, I have had to sit down, have conversations with myself, and establish the ‘why’ of many aspects of my life, including my beliefs, passions, choices, and even the definition of success I choose to live by. In doing so, I’ve realized that clarity rarely comes from external noise, but from the honesty of asking myself whether I am walking in alignment with the blueprint set before me or merely following someone else’s.

Also, realize that rarely will everyone get it; rarely will you be cheered on by the crowd. Some may question your choices, others may project their fears onto your path. But as long as you remain anchored in your why, and true to the blueprint only you can walk, you will find the strength to keep moving.

Eventually, they’ll come to realize what you were about when you cross over to the visibly winning side, though few will ever truly know the quiet battles, the unseen sacrifices, and the relentless persistence it took to get there.

So, here’s some thoughts I will leave you with:

🌟You don’t need the full map before you begin. Start today.

🌟You don’t need permission to walk your path.

🌟Remember that the world only needs an original sound that only you can bring.

🌟Make recognition a by product of walking in alignment to who you were called to be.