"الرجل الذي يسمح لقائد أن يحدد مساره هو حطام يُسحب إلى كومة الخردة"

The idea behind this quote is that if you let someone else dictate your path in life, you’re essentially allowing yourself to be led to ruin. You become like a shipwreck—no longer capable of steering your own course—dragged along by forces outside of your control until you end up in a place where you’re useless, discarded, and broken.

Historically, the quote might resonate with times when authoritarian leaders commanded blind obedience. Think about the eras of totalitarian regimes where individuals had little say over their own lives. Or even consider corporate environments where employees followed every order without questioning, ultimately feeling disconnected and unfulfilled, with careers that seemed to lead nowhere.

Picture this: Anna works in a bustling tech company. She’s smart, capable, and has her own ideas about where she wants her career to go. But her boss, let’s call him Tom, has a different vision. Tom insists that Anna follows a very rigid path—one that he believes is best for her. He dismisses her ideas and keeps pushing his own agenda. Over time, Anna feels less and less motivated. She’s doing what Tom wants, not what her passions and talents are guiding her towards. Eventually, she becomes disengaged and burnt out, feeling like a “wreck” that’s being led to “the scrap heap.” Anna’s potential is wasted because she wasn’t steering her own ship.

So, how can you avoid this fate? First, it’s crucial to understand your own goals. What do you want from your career, your life? Spend time reflecting on this and be clear about your ambitions. Once you’ve articulated your vision, communicate it assertively to those around you. Sometimes, leaders and managers need a reminder that you have your own direction.

Next, develop a sense of autonomy. Don’t rely entirely on external validation or direction. This could mean taking initiative on projects that matter to you, seeking out mentors who support your vision, or even making tough decisions like changing jobs if your current one isn’t aligning with your path. It’s about taking control of your journey rather than passively allowing others to steer.

Imagine you’re at a family dinner. Your uncle, who you respect greatly, starts giving you unsolicited advice about your career. He’s convinced you should follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer because it’s what he did and he believes it’s a safe and profitable path. But deep down, you know your passion lies in graphic design. If you let your uncle prescribe your course, you might end up in law school, hating every moment, rather than pursuing what truly excites you.

Instead, respectfully listen to his advice but stay firm in your own convictions. Thank him for his concern but explain your passion and plans for graphic design. Share what steps you’ve already taken and how you see your future unfolding. By doing this, you empower yourself to follow your own path, avoiding the metaphorical scrap heap.

The key takeaway? Be the captain of your own ship. Your course might have storms and waves, but it’s your course. Steering your own ship means you’ll end up where you’re meant to be—fulfilling your own possibilities, not living out someone else’s plans.

So next time someone tries to prescribe your path, think about that shipwreck. Hold the wheel tight and navigate your own way.