Directionally Reasonable: The Key to Meaningful Living

The podcast episode I heard while brushing my teeth last night made a profound impact. It challenged my long-standing belief that every decision and experience must be purposeful in the moment. The phrase 'You only need to be directionally reasonable' by one of the hosts resonated deeply, prompting me to reconsider the value of my past choices.

The Podcast Conversation

The discussion revolved around the 'Top 10 Things People Waste Their Lives Doing,' and I found myself relating to several of these topics. I had previously fretted over the utility of various life choices, such as:

Working in a completely different field from my degree. Living alone in a non-English speaking country. Not becoming a professional runner despite years of training.

My eagerness to avoid making poor life decisions stemmed from my perception of certain activities as 'wasteful,' such as studying for and failing years of public admission exams or engaging in romantic relationships that ended in breakups.

Value from Experiences

Upon listening to the podcast, the speaker clarified that nothing is inherently 'wasteful' in terms of time or effort. He distinguished two types of value that can be gained from experiences:

Immediate Value: Learning specific skills or knowledge that directly benefits your immediate life, like knowing how to navigate a subway station for daily commuting. Long-term, Subtle Value: Skills or knowledge that may not be immediately useful but add utility over time, such as fluency in a language that you didn’t initially need to use.

The speaker emphasized that the latter type of value is often realized in hindsight when we can see how seemingly irrelevant experiences shaped our skills and perspectives.

Embracing Unpredictability

The key takeaway was that it is important to embrace the unpredictability of life. Rather than seeking the 'perfect' choices, we should be open to trying new things and reflecting on our experiences along the way. This openness allows us to adapt and rewrite our life stories as our priorities and goals change.

Practical Steps for Directional Reasonableness

To apply these insights to your own life, consider the following steps:

Reflect on Past Choices: Take a candid look at your past decisions and consider their value in hindsight. Embrace Flexibility: Stay adaptable and be open to revising your goals as necessary. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Recognize that new experiences, even if they don’t seem immediately useful, can provide long-term benefits.

By adopting a directionally reasonable approach, you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, where each experience contributes to your personal growth and well-being.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of life, it's important to remember that we don’t need to be correct on the first try or the next. What matters is making choices that are directionally reasonable, allowing us to learn, grow, and adapt along the way. So, embrace the journey and make the most of each experience, no matter where it leads.