I’ve always been intrigued to hear a friend’s story who pursued a career because his parents told him to do so: “Do this and you’ll be successful. Do this, it’s the right path. It’s the best choice.”

Also, these stories: 

• Marriages who wanted their spouse to follow a certain path believing it’s the only way to achieve happiness, wealth, and success.
• Successful individuals who were once ridiculed by society because of pursuing an unconventional path — society thought there’s only one right path and other paths are wrong.
• Religious groups walking around the streets insisting on their beliefs, trying to prove they’re the best (I have nothing against these people. I respect them).

But I wonder, why?

One of the reasons is that we want others to follow our own versions of reality, which is inevitably biased.

We want our loved ones to follow the steps we took because we believe it’s the best thing. We encourage others to join our community because of the benefits. We want them to be happy. We want them safe. Nothing’s wrong with that, right?

But when we start believing that ours are the only right and others are on the wrong side, that is when trouble begins.

In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, neurologist Viktor E. Frankl acknowledges each one’s life path as unique and irreplaceable.

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”

Different missions. Different thoughts. Different lives. Everyone is unique. Just like snowflakes. There’s no one like you except you.

Sure, there are like-minded individuals who share the same values, principles, and goals. But just because it’s mutual, doesn’t mean they always agree with each other (this also happens to families, marriages, and friendships). At some point, they will face their own different life paths.

If you find yourself insisting on your beliefs or forcing people to follow what you know is right, you’re wasting your time. It won’t do any good.

Instead, save your time for learning and growing. Save it for focusing on the things you want to achieve or things that give you purpose and meaning. Save it for helping. Save it for understanding.

If someone asks you about your dreams and the things you do, share them. Maybe they have the same dreams. Maybe they want to walk on the same path as you.

But whatever happens, don’t force them. If they don’t like your path, then move on. They have their missions. They have their dreams. They have their passions. And they have to align themselves with it.

Always respect people whatever they decide to do in life. Respect them if they want their life different.

We see things differently. Everyone has their own story.

“Everyone has their own idea of what path they want to take in life. There’s no right or wrong answer. Each path has different lengths, different layouts and different directions. What matters is that the path you take has the destination that you seek.” — Victor Tan

PS: You don’t have to agree. I’m not selling something. Just do your own thing. Focus on your life mission. Good luck. Have a great day.