Connecting the Dots

So I've tried to make this point before. But I've never been able to convey it as eloquently or as effectively as Steve Jobs did in his commencement speech at Stanford. If you haven't seen it, do watch it. He discusses how in life you can retrospectively connect the dots and derive meaning from the sequence of your experiences... though the significance of every event is not able to be seen prospectively. Meaning you can't look forward and see how the event in your life will lead you to your ultimate goal. You just have to TRUST.

Certainly thus far this is 100% true in my life, and I would bet yours as well. If my parents had been richer, I would not have had such a circuitous route to college and med school. Possibly I'd have missed out on work experiences that propelled me towards medicine. If I'd not dropped out of college at 19 I may have never worked as a firefighter and never developed my passion for emergency medicine. If I'd have gotten into med school the first time I'd applied I'd have likely gone to a school that didn't fit my personality... and I certainly wouldn't have gotten my masters degree in tropical medicine.... an aspect of medicine I know I want to incorporate into my career somehow. If I'd married a boy that asked me, or if I'd stayed with one that broke my heart... I wouldn't be here today.

Point being? Relax. Just keep going, keep working towards your goal, and trust that the delays, the failures, and the diversions are all part of the big picture.