Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting some very interesting people including artists, musicians, politicians, lawyers, and professors. Each one of these people had their own unique characteristics and philosophies of life along with their own special experiences in their different professions. 

Very Informed 

One such professor came to mind recently when I was talking with a new acquaintance of mine that I had met at a seminar. The professor I refer to focused all his attention on his area of expertise, which happened to the history of the slave trade across the world. 

Now, this professor was well versed in his area and could talk for hours and hours about the different facets of slavery and compare these to some modern day examples as I found out several times while visiting him in his office on the fourth floor of the building dedicated to the study of history. 

What I Observed 

After I had attended his class for a period of several weeks, I had occasion to be in the library located on the third floor researching a paper on the slave trade in the United States and I happened to look out the window lined library onto the hallway. I casually observed that this particular professor was passing by on his way, I supposed, to another colleague's office.

 

As I sat there deep in thought staring out the windows, my professor walked by again on his way to somewhere. Now, there is one small characteristic you should know about this particular professor - he was a true absent-minded professor. 

Confusion Clarified 

After I had seen him pass by several more times, I became so curious that I couldn't help get up, go out to the hallway and stop to speak to him. 

I asked him if there was anything wrong telling him that I couldn't help notice he had walked by many times in the past few minutes. 

His answer was somewhat apologetic when he said in a straightforward manner that he couldn't find his office so he had been looking for it for the last several minutes. I wasn't quite sure how to respond but I couldn't respond any differently than to tell him his office was not on the third floor but was on the fourth floor. He thanked me for the clarification and went on his way. 

A New Vision Needed 

Now, the reason this little funny episode stuck with me is because it represents an interesting lesson in life. 

As the professor walked around and around looking for his office, it reminded me of my new acquaintance. 

You see, my new acquaintance was going around and around in circles not knowing which or what to do to change his life. He wanted to start a new career but wasn't sure what career he wanted; and if he decided, he didn't know how to go about it since he needed his salary from his current job. 

Instead, he was turning here and there looking and searching for the right option or plan but couldn't find it. No matter what he did, he just wasn't able to get it together. 

Decide Clearly 

Now, just like the professor who couldn't find his office, no matter how hard he looked, because he was on the wrong floor. And, just like my new acquaintance who couldn't find his way because he didn't know where he was going. He didn't know what career change he wanted never mind how to get there. 

You cannot reach any goals unless you are on the right floor, the right path. 

First you need a clear vision to give you direction in which to head and then you have to keep going on the right path and not deviate from the correct action.