"Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come." - Mario Quintana
Life has a funny way of pulling us into moments of reflection—those times when you wake up and realize you're suddenly questioning everything: Where am I? Who am I? How did I end up here? The answers might come with nostalgia, or sometimes even with a smile, but there's always that inevitable question lingering: What would I have done differently, and where could it have led me?
It’s a feeling we all encounter at various stages of our lives. It’s not a fleeting thought, but one that consistently pops up, forcing us to reflect deeply on the path we’ve walked. We dissect those moments and actions in isolation—making sense of them individually—but we fail to grasp the bigger picture if we don't see them for what they are: interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle.
Here’s the key: instead of chasing external successes, we need to focus on cultivating and nurturing our internal environment. It’s not about seeking or finding success, but about preparing ourselves to embrace it when it arrives—and equally, preparing ourselves to handle failure, which is just as inevitable.
The balance of both is crucial. We must create a space within ourselves where both triumph and setback can reside peacefully, for that’s the nature of life. If we seek success outside of ourselves, it may feel unfamiliar, like we’re strangers in a place that doesn’t fit us. But when we focus on our own garden—the foundation of who we are—success will find its way to us naturally.
At the end of the day, we all return to our most intimate space—our own mind. We close our eyes, and it’s just us. No external accolades, no applause, no distractions. Just you, with your own thoughts, your own reflections.
Table of Contents
What Dictates Your Actions?
In every moment of decision, there’s a deeper question we must answer: What drives us? What guides the choices we make in our personal and professional lives? Are our actions rooted in a foundation of values and principles, or are they more often swayed by the external circumstances and the opinions of others? It’s a critical question because the answer determines the quality of our lives, the consistency of our decisions, and the true nature of the success we achieve.
In a world that bombards us with constant demands, opinions, and distractions, it’s easy to lose track of what truly drives us. External pressures—whether from family, peers, social media, or societal expectations—can sometimes overpower our own internal compass. We may make choices based on what is considered “right” by others, or what will bring us immediate rewards or approval. However, this short-term thinking can lead us down a path of dissatisfaction, because these decisions are not aligned with who we truly are or what we truly want in life.
When you examine your actions, ask yourself if they are guided by your internal beliefs, or if they are merely reactions to the world around you. Are you responding to others' expectations, or are you taking proactive steps toward creating a life of your own design? The difference may seem subtle at first, but it’s incredibly powerful. When we allow external pressures to dictate our actions, we forfeit our autonomy and our ability to shape our own destiny. But when we take the time to understand our motivations and ensure they are grounded in our core values, we can align our decisions with the kind of life we want to create.
Understanding the core motivations behind your actions is not a simple task. It involves looking at the choices you’ve made in the past, and asking yourself,
Why did I make that decision? What was driving me at that time?
Were your actions motivated by fear, desire for approval, or genuine inspiration?
Were they made because you felt compelled by your purpose, or because you were seeking validation from external sources?
This process of self-examination is key to ensuring that your future decisions are more intentional, aligned with your values, and ultimately, more fulfilling. The clarity you gain from understanding your motivations will allow you to live more authentically and with greater purpose. When we’re connected to our true motivations, our decisions become empowered by a sense of agency, rather than helplessness.
In the end, it’s not just about what you do; it’s about why you do it. This insight helps you ensure that your actions are aligned with your deepest values, allowing you to create a life that reflects who you truly are and what you truly want to achieve.
Are You Where You Want to Be?
In life, we often find ourselves at various crossroads, questioning whether we are where we truly want to be. This question transcends the physical—our career, our relationships, our financial situation. It reaches deeper, probing our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual state. Are we on a path that is congruent with our innermost aspirations, or have we settled into a place that doesn’t truly reflect our potential or desires?
It’s easy to drift through life, reacting to the circumstances that come our way, rather than actively choosing our destination. We may find ourselves in a job, relationship, or lifestyle that simply “happened” without consciously choosing it. Life often moves quickly, and we tend to get swept up in the current, following the paths laid out for us without truly considering whether they are the paths we want to walk.
Taking the time to answer the question Are you where you want to be? is essential for growth and personal fulfillment. It requires you to step back and assess where you are, both externally and internally. Are you content with the way things are, or do you feel a pull toward something greater? This is not about perfection or societal approval—it’s about whether your current state aligns with your deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy.
Many people fear facing this question because it requires them to acknowledge that they may not be where they want to be. This acknowledgment can feel uncomfortable or even painful, but it is essential for progress. If we’re not where we want to be, we must ask ourselves why. Is it because of external circumstances that are out of our control? Or is it because we have allowed ourselves to become complacent, or have fallen into habits and patterns that no longer serve us?
The true power in this question lies in the courage it takes to admit that you may need to make a change. It’s not about blaming anyone or anything; it’s about taking responsibility for your own life and understanding that you have the power to chart a new course if necessary. It’s about knowing that the road ahead may not always be easy, but that you are capable of navigating it with intention and clarity.
More importantly, this question forces us to ask: Do I have the courage to change direction if I’m not where I want to be? The beauty of life is that it offers us the opportunity to pivot, to evolve, and to redefine our path. The courage to confront this question, and the willingness to take action to realign your life with your desires, is what sets you apart from those who simply accept the status quo.
Do You Believe or Do You Act On?
Belief is the foundation of everything we do. It shapes our attitudes, influences our actions, and creates the world we experience. But belief alone is not enough. Too often, we believe in things without taking the necessary actions to make those beliefs a reality. A belief without action is merely a thought—it remains abstract, theoretical, and disconnected from our everyday lives.
True success comes not from believing in something, but from acting on that belief. It’s the difference between knowing and doing. Anyone can believe in the importance of hard work, personal growth, or kindness, but only those who act on those beliefs will experience the fruits of their efforts. The power of belief lies not in its mere existence but in the actions it inspires.
Think about the things you believe in. What are the principles and values that guide your life? Are you acting in accordance with those beliefs, or are you merely paying lip service to them? For example, if you believe in the importance of integrity, are your actions consistently demonstrating integrity, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient? If you believe in the value of health, are you taking the necessary steps to live a healthy lifestyle?
This question challenges us to move beyond surface-level belief and into the realm of action. It’s easy to believe in something in the abstract. It’s much harder to live those beliefs day in and day out, in our choices, our relationships, and our work. But this is where true transformation occurs. When we align our actions with our beliefs, we create a life that is congruent with our deepest values and aspirations.
To act on your beliefs requires discipline, consistency, and a willingness to face the discomfort of change. It often means making difficult choices, taking risks, and stepping outside your comfort zone. But it is through these actions that belief turns into reality, and potential becomes accomplishment.
Do You Know Your Principles and Values?
Our principles and values are the bedrock upon which our lives are built. They are the guiding forces that help us navigate through life’s challenges, make difficult decisions, and stay true to ourselves in the face of adversity. Without a clear understanding of our principles, we are at the mercy of external influences, and our actions can become erratic, inconsistent, and reactive.
When we are grounded in our values, however, we find clarity and confidence. Our principles become the compass that guides us, even in uncertain or turbulent times. Knowing what we stand for enables us to make decisions with conviction and certainty, because we are acting in alignment with our core beliefs.
Take a moment to reflect on your own principles. What do you stand for? What values are non-negotiable for you? Is it honesty, integrity, compassion, or something else? Do you know your values well enough that, when faced with a difficult decision, you can immediately identify the path that aligns with your principles?
The process of identifying and reflecting on your values is ongoing. They evolve as we grow and learn more about ourselves. However, the act of defining them is a powerful exercise in self-awareness and self-discipline. It ensures that we stay true to who we are and make choices that reflect our authentic selves, not the expectations or pressures imposed by others.
Have You Found Your Mission?
A sense of purpose or mission is the driving force that gives meaning to our lives. It’s what pulls us forward when times are tough, and it’s the reason we get up each morning with a sense of excitement and possibility. Your mission is the unique contribution you are meant to make in the world. It is the alignment of your passions, skills, and values with a cause that is greater than yourself.
Finding your mission is not always an easy process. It requires introspection, exploration, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Many people struggle to find their mission because they are too focused on external success—money, fame, recognition—rather than internal fulfillment. But when we discover our mission, everything changes. Suddenly, our actions are infused with purpose and meaning. Our work becomes more than just a job; it becomes a calling.
Ask yourself: Do you know your mission? Have you taken the time to reflect on what you are meant to contribute to the world? It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind, but if you don’t have a clear sense of mission, you may find yourself achieving things that leave you feeling empty or unfulfilled.
A mission is not something you “find” in the traditional sense. It is something you cultivate, refine, and live out through your actions. It’s about aligning your life with a purpose that resonates deeply with you. When you are connected to your mission, your life becomes a journey of growth, contribution, and fulfillment.
Finding your mission is about living with intention and making choices that align with your values and aspirations. It’s the foundation of a meaningful life.
How Internal Growth Attracts Success: Closing Remarks
In the end, success isn't something to be chased or sought after in distant horizons. It’s a natural consequence of nurturing our inner world, aligning our actions with our core values, and living with purpose. When we focus on building the right foundation within ourselves, everything we desire—whether it's success, growth, or fulfillment—will come naturally.
So, instead of chasing external markers of achievement, start by tending to your own garden. Cultivate self-awareness, reflect on your principles, and align your actions with your beliefs. When you do, success will no longer be something you pursue; it will be something that seeks you out. Keep tending to your garden, and watch the butterflies come to you, effortlessly.
Thanks for this. It's a very good reminder