“When people clarify what matters and leverage their strengths, leaders emerge and anything is possible.”
Tips 4 Tuesday #9: Choose the Path You Were Meant to Take
Today’s tip comes from a surprising place… not a boardroom or a book—but a baseball field.
If you’ve seen Field of Dreams, you’ll remember the scene.
Moonlight Graham, the ballplayer who never got his shot in the big leagues, steps onto the field one more time as a young man. His dream fulfilled—he’s playing Major League ball on that magical diamond. Then—little Karin chokes on a hot dog. She’s in danger.
Graham hesitates.
He looks at the line between the field and real life and he knows the moment he steps over, he’ll become old Doc Graham again—and he can’t go back.
But then he doesn’t hesitate long. He crosses the line, saves the child… and lets go of the dream.
What’s the lesson?
Sometimes, we’re called to choose the path we were meant to take—not the one we dreamed of. And here’s what’s most important, the path we were meant for is usually the one that serves others—not ourselves.
This week I offer you four truths I’ve come to believe about this… and I offer them to you in the form of ”tips”
You’re free to choose your path—but not free from the consequences of your choice. Real peace only comes when you align your life with your deeper sense of purpose.
My wife, Lori, chose to stay at home with our children not long after Andrew, our son, took his first steps as we were informed by his baby sitter. She sacrificed her career but she glows when our kids fondly recall her loving care throughout their childhood. And, by the way, she worked much harder than me.
You’ll never be forced into your purpose. You must have the courage to walk into it freely.
We know we’re on the right path when our talents lift others, not just ourselves. Gifts like those unique strengths we possess, aren’t given for self-glorification—they’re meant to contribute to something greater.
Katie Drake is our Director of Operations. When her career took a turn she searched her soul, not the internet, and realized her calling was to serve others while she was using her business development talents. Our paths crossed. The rest is history.
The right path feels like contribution, not just accomplishment.
Not all dreams are sacred—some are just ego in disguise. Chasing the wrong dream can pull us away from our calling.
Moonlight Graham’s big league dream was real, but not eternal. His deeper purpose was healing babies, not hitting baseballs.
Dreams worth keeping are the ones that serve a greater good.
You gain clarity when you stop forcing outcomes and start listening to what life is telling you. The moment we stop striving and start aligning, our true path becomes clear.
My son-in-law Joe dreamed of being a history teacher. He earned the degree, spent time in classrooms—but something felt off. When he tried recruiting, everything clicked. It wasn’t the dream, but it was the calling. His strength in Competition came alive, and he found a way to lead, influence, and grow—outside the classroom. Sometimes, the path that fits best isn’t the one you planned.
The moment we let go… is the moment we start to see clearly.
Ask yourself in stillness and reflection:
“Am I living the dream...or the calling?”
The dream may excite you.
But I assure you the calling will fulfill you.
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