We Are All Inventors

We Are All Inventors

“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is a lot packed into this quote.  Let’s take phrase by phrase.

We are all inventors:  We all create something of value through our actions, ingenuity, and ideas.  We add something to the world that did not previously exist. This is central to the process of living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Each sailing on a voyage of discovery: Each of us has our own unique path.  And we are the navigator.  Some discoveries may lead us to turn in new directions and others encourage us to go further.  This is part of the trial and error of life, and through our mistakes, setbacks, breakthroughs, and successes we develop wisdom and make our way.

Guided by a private chart: This is a curious phrase.  What is our “private chart”?  Do you have one?  Perhaps it’s comprised of personal goals you have set.  Perhaps it’s your personal drive and knowing where you want to go.  Most of us do not have a specific route mapped out.  In Find Fulfill Flourish, when we refer to LifePath GPS, we are referring to a personal navigational process using eight dynamics in life. They serve as a guide in developing personal private charts and keeping us on track, which includes being true to one’s self.  Your values comprise part of your private chart since they influence how you live your life.

Of which there is no duplicate:  No one else has your identical path or lives the same way as you.  The millions of personal choices you make define the unique DNA of your life.

The world is of full of gates:  From the moment we are born, we advance through gates or thresholds that characterize our personal growth.  Some gates may appear to be keeping us out or holding us back.  The challenge is to move beyond them.  Gates are not necessarily physical.  They can be intangible and psychological.  Examples include criteria that must be met, completion of a process, affirmation, and self-confidence.

All opportunities:  A gate may be seen as a barrier, milestone, or threshold to attain.  Our point of view and attitude can determine how we see it, which may then influence our motivation and behavior.   When challenges are seen as opportunities, the question becomes “How to we realize them?”

We are all inventors and we can also invent our own opportunities.  Sometimes we also invent our own gates which keep us from realizing those opportunities. They can  then turn into excuses, hold us back, or keep us from overcoming obstacles.

What are you inventing?  Are you inventing opportunities or gates?  What route are you sailing on your voyage of discovery?  How can you create greater momentum?

Steve Weitzenkorn

Our book, Find Fulfill Flourish, was named a Finalist in the Self Help category of the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times calls it “an inspirational tour de force” Click here to purchase it. Click here for an overview and here for a free sample chapter. Book readers also receive FREE access to all premium exercises and content on our website.

Take the FREE Guiding Values Exercise.

Copyright © 2011, F3 Forum LLC. All rights reserved.