I think we often fall into a trap when we think about life and how it should look for us.

We look at our heroes, our mentors, our friends and family, and we think that’s what our life should look like.

We should follow their paths because that is how it’s supposed to be. Except the truth is, no path is the same and never will be.

In fact, I believe the entire point of life is to create your own path. To go whichever way you wish and discover who you are along the way. Following a formula or a guideline or a map isn’t going to take you where you want to go.

There are always lessons to learn from others journey, but there’s nothing quite like trailblazing your own way.

That being said, I think these three quotes are the best advice you could ever get on creating your own path.

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.Ralph Waldo Emerson

The best way to an interesting life is not taking the path less traveled, but creating a completely new path. Go where no one else has gone.

Try new things, discover what is possible, and leave your trail behind for others to follow. The possibilities are endless, so combine a few things you enjoy doing and see where it takes you.

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.Buddha

You control your path. Its not a paved road you must follow. You can trek through the jungle and climb mountains and dive into the depths of the ocean. It’s up to you. Never forget this.

Your journey can change in a moment’s notice if you wish. It can be exciting or boring. Adventure filled or risk averse. It’s completely up to you. Take control.

If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads. Anatole France

When you find a path that you are enjoying, don’t overthink it. If you wake up every morning excited to start the day, if you have found your ikigai, then simply embrace it.

Enjoy the path you are creating and get the most out of it. Don’t try to make sense of things or understand where it is going  because no one can ever really know. Get out of your own way.

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As I wrote a few weeks ago, paths are not linear. Similarly, there are no Google Maps for life. You have to figure it out as you go.

Instead of looking for a path to follow, create your own, because at the end of the day, there is only your path and your path alone.

It’s up to you to decide if you want to follow the footsteps or make them.

Image via flickr