"Get in the Driver’s Seat of Life" by Gurbaksh Chahal

Gurbaksh Chahal | Get in the Driver’s Seat of Life

ByGurbaksh Chahal Updated on Career
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Are you a driver or a passenger?
If you want to be an entrepreneur there’s only one answer to this question. You have to be a driver. You can’t expect to be a passenger and get anywhere. You have to be the one with his hands firmly on the wheel steering your business in the right direction.
Too many people just want to go along for the ride. They expect to climb on board, settle comfortably into the passenger seat, stare out the window and not worry about a thing until they get to their destination. They don’t think about all of the work that goes into getting them there.
But the driver is in command. He’s the one who navigates the freeways and the mountain passes. He knows when to step on the gas and when to decelerate. He switches lanes when necessary. He fills up the tank. And he’s always aware of the traffic around him.
The entrepreneurial leader operates in much the same fashion.
So, if you see yourself as an entrepreneur you have to get in the driver’s seat of life. You call the shots. You make the running. You decide on the journey and the timetable. You lead the way.
Of course, you’re not always responsible for everything that happens to you along the way. You can’t predict the unpredictable. Sometimes stuff happens and interrupts the journey. But you are totally responsible for how you respond to what happens to you. You are responsible for getting back on track. You are responsible for getting back in the driver’s seat.
Getting in the driver’s seat means you get to choose whether you want to be in the fast lane or the slow lane. (I know what I prefer!) Getting in the driver’s seat means that you have decided what gives your life purpose and meaning. You know what you need to do for an authentic, happy existence.
Take ownership of the car; take ownership of the road. Embrace your life and go full throttle on the highway. You own your life. You have responsibility for your own success. Accept that fact and become empowered. Don’t blame others for your failures. Don’t expect others to create your success. It’s up to you.
The journey to peace of mind and happiness involves taking charge of your life and getting into the driver’s seat. It involves learning from your setbacks and celebrating your achievements. It means taking control of your life whatever your circumstances.
Life is too short to allow anyone else to be behind the wheel. You’re the one at the controls. You’re the one who needs to be in control. You can’t expect anyone else to do everything for you.
I once saw a poster that summed it up nicely: “Believe it or not you are in control of your own life. You are the reason why you’re sad and the reason why you’re happy. So don’t wait for happiness. Go out and find it right now. And don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”
So, get in that driver’s seat. It’s where you need to be.