Staying on Track with Your Unique Design

Stayin on track starts with knowing your unique design and then being alert and aware of each step you take.

Pavement Ends – Now what?

We thought we were taking a shortcut back to our condo at the beach. The map (yes, an actual paper map) assured us we could get there from here.

Then, we saw the sign: Pavement Ends.

We assumed it meant the road would turn to gravel or chert.

But nope.

The sign meant exactly what it said. The pavement ended, and the bay began.

Luckily, I was driving slowly enough to stop before we ended up in the water. But we still had to turn around, retrace our steps, and take the longer way home.

It was a great reminder: Shortcuts don’t always get you there faster. Sometimes, they get you nowhere at all.

It’s a Trap

How often do we try to take shortcuts in our journey or get there faster in some way or another?

• We rush into opportunities without preparing.
• We chase trends because THEY say it’s the “right” way.
• We convince ourselves there’s an easier way to fulfill our purpose.

Unfortunately, all it ends up doing is knocking you off track. And the next thing you know, you’re stuck, frustrated, or completely lost.

When it comes to your unique design, the tricks, short cuts, and magic beans don’t work. You can’t skip steps in your own journey.

Staying on Track with Your Unique Design

When it comes to living out our unique design, we need to recognize when were are going off track before we end up stuck in the bay – which, for the record, is way worse than sitting on a dock in the bay.

There Are No Shortcuts to Your Unique Design

I wanted dinner to cook faster, so I turned up the heat. Turns out, food doesn’t cook faster that way—it just burns.

Your unique design is like that. You can’t rush your way into it. You have to do the work, mix the right ingredients, and patiently attend to the process.

If you try to cut corners, you’ll either end up undercooked on the inside or burnt on the outside. Neither one is the goal.

Stop looking for the easy button. Instead, define your path and take one step at a time.

A Map Helps, but Pay Attention to What’s in Front of You

My pavement ends story relied on an old-school paper map. But I’ve had similar experiences with GPS.

Like the time Google Maps sent me through someone’s driveway.

Or the time it gave me dozens of turns to get to the interstate—when I could literally see the highway right out the window.

Maps are helpful. But if you rely on the map more than your eyes, you might end up off track.

The same is true for purpose living. If you want to be focused on purpose and walking in purpose, then you need to be alert. Be aware. And be willing to adjust when necessary.

#QuoteoftheDay

Slow Progress Is Still Progress

Sometimes, slow is better.

When the changes you seek are big, deep, or life-shifting, it’s best to take them slow and steady.

We want results now. We want the instant success, overnight transformation, and the big reveal.

But here’s the truth:

• Overnight success is usually a decade in the making.
• Greatness is built one brick at a time.
• The process is part of the purpose.

Taking intentional steps ensures you’re not just moving—but moving in the right direction.

Go with a Friend

Life is better with company.

Can you go at it alone? Sure.

But why would you?

• Friends help you see what you might miss.
• Friends encourage you when the road gets tough.
• Friends remind you to laugh along the way.

Community fuels growth. Find the people who will walk with you and invest in them as they invest in you.

It’s Okay to Turn Around

Sometimes, we get so focused on getting there that we refuse to admit when we’re on the wrong road.

I used to think turning around meant failure.

Now? I realize it’s wisdom.

• If the road ahead is dangerous, turn around.
• If you’ve been forcing something that isn’t working, turn around.
• If you know in your heart this isn’t the right direction, turn around.

Turning around isn’t giving up—it’s choosing the right way forward.

Stay on Track and Keep Moving Forward

No matter where you are in your journey, if you’re willing to course correct, you can always get back on track.

• Recognize when you’re chasing shortcuts.
• Trust the map—but use discernment.
• Remember, slow and steady is still progress.
• Bring a friend along.
• Be willing to turn around.

You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Stay on track and live it out!

What’s one way you check to make sure you’re still on track? Drop it in the comments!

Are you looking for encouragement to boost your unique design journey? Listen to the 20-min Growing Hope podcast by clicking the button below and be sure to grab your gift of the Hope and & Courage Reset by CLICKING HERE.

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