One day, we think everything is set… Ready to go in life with our plans, as we set little goals to better achieve the bigger ones.. For the ‘BIGGER’ Picture!  But suddenly, reality sets in as the turns and twist become familiar of those we have heard in the past.  We face hardships and circumstances that drive the turns and twist in our road plans.

That is when we need to pump the brakes, step back, and take a look at things around us to see what is driving us. Then, we need to look at how we can change things to help get us back on the right road.  Depending on what the circumstance are, can and will determine the length of time and how we can do this.

Too often, ‘WE’ allowed the diversion into our life, without realizing it.  It comes by wants and not needs , it comes through being around the wrong people, and it shows up due to overload and burnout.  But… It’s not too late!

First, we really have to set our priorities, and be serious about it. Do we really need it, or do we just want it for whatever the reason?  Once we leave our home or get online, access to spending is very easy these days. In most societies,  it is about keeping up with the Jones’s. We see the neighbor, family member, co-worker, or friend with an awesome device, car, or home; and we automatic feel we need to outdo the other without asking if we can afford it.  I have been there, and tried to justify why I needed it. This can be problematic when trying to achieve our life long road plan in life, and achieving the goals we have set to get to the BIGGER Picture’.
So, when I would like to have something I have to ask myself, “Is it a want or a need?” More so than not, I end up putting the item away or cancelling the order. That ‘BIGGER PICTURE’ is far more too important to pass up for something that I really don’t need.

Secondly and a big one, allowing the wrong people into our life.  Often, we hear that, “You can love from a distance.”  And this is so true, when someone enters your life that is involved in a negative lifestyle.  Now, each individual has to define for themselves, what is a negative lifestyle.  No one else can do this.  Some people have alternative motives,  are jealous, and deliberately try to offset your road plans.  Each one of us need to know what are limits are, and stay focused.  Sometimes, this means removing individuals out of our life for a season and/or permanently.
I noticed in my own life, when I allow the wrong people in;  life tends to go a different direction. It’s then, I end up falling off that road that I strive so hard to find.  We often say, “It would never happen to me.”  But never say never…!  It can happen without you even realizing it. I have had to remove people from my life that was doing more harm than good, and it can be very hard thing to do.

Lastly, overload and burnout.  Those that are a go getter… Workaholics, tend to burnout at some point in their life.  And that is where a planner can help keep balance in your life. I like to keep a planner beside me, where I can use a full size calendar with plenty of room to take notes and jot down ideas.  I also keep a small journal that I carry with me at all times, to jot down thoughts and ideas. This helps me tremendously to know what I need to do throughout the day. I have to be organized with my life and events, or I will go straight off the road. This leaving me having to make a U-turn somewhere.

Like you, I have met my challenges.  I have had to make my U-turns, and go back to pick up the pieces. My plans were not sitting on the side of the road for too long though, through the turns and twist of life’s events. I reached a place that my dream is just as important as the air I breathe, and the hard work, sweat, and tears will get me to the point of arrival.