You can make a board for all the goals you want in your life with

"You can make a board for all the goals you want in your life with the pictures on it, and that's great, daydreaming is wonderful, but you can never plan your future." These words from Taylor Swift reflect a deep truth about the nature of life—that while dreaming and goal-setting are essential parts of the human experience, the future is a force that cannot be controlled by mere plans or visualizations. Swift acknowledges the value of vision boards, those visual representations of aspirations, but she cautions against the fallacy of believing that our future can be completely determined by such exercises. Life, in its fullest sense, is not something we can easily map out, and true success lies not in rigidly trying to plan every step, but in embracing the unpredictability and serendipity of the journey.

In the ancient world, wisdom often spoke to the unpredictability of fate and destiny. The Greeks, for example, believed that the gods held sway over human lives, and no amount of planning could shield one from the whims of fortune. Heraclitus, a philosopher, famously said, "You cannot step into the same river twice." This statement captures the essence of life’s constant flux and change. The river of time and circumstances flows relentlessly forward, and to assume we can perfectly plan for every twist and turn is a fool’s endeavor. Swift's quote is in harmony with this ancient wisdom—it reminds us that while we can set goals, the course of life is shaped by forces beyond our control.

Consider the life of Alexander the Great, whose rise to power was driven by vision and ambition, but also shaped by countless unforeseen challenges. Alexander set out to conquer the known world, but the fate of his empire was altered by the unexpected—from the death of his beloved mentor, Aristotle, to the unforeseen revolts in the lands he conquered. Despite his planning and ambition, Alexander could not predict the personal tragedies or the complexities of empire-building. His future was, like ours, guided by vision, but always subject to forces that no amount of planning could control. Even the most determined leaders must learn to navigate the winds of fate with both vision and adaptability.

In the same way, the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism emphasizes the importance of going with the flow of life rather than attempting to impose our rigid will on the course of events. Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This wisdom aligns with Swift's message: while it is important to have vision and take that first step, the journey itself is unpredictable, and no amount of planning can ensure every step will be as we envision. Life’s unfolding is as much about embracing the unexpected as it is about pursuing our goals. The key is not in the destination, but in the willingness to adapt and grow along the way.

Swift’s quote speaks to the wisdom of living in the present while holding a vision for the future. Daydreaming is not inherently wrong—it is a tool for inspiration and aspiration, a way to connect with our deeper desires and values. However, it is important to understand that action and flexibility are what truly determine our future, not the rigid pursuit of a predefined path. Like the great explorers of ancient times—Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, or even Christopher Columbus—their journeys were not set in stone, but shaped by both planning and the unknown. The destination was never fully certain, but their ability to adapt and respond to the changing course of events made them the pioneers they are remembered as today.

The lesson we can take from Swift’s words is this: while it is essential to have goals and dreams, we must also be prepared to embrace the uncertainty of life’s journey. We cannot foresee every challenge, every twist of fate, or every opportunity that will arise. Instead of being fixated on a perfectly planned future, we should focus on being present, learning from each experience, and adapting as the journey unfolds. True success lies not in trying to control every aspect of the future, but in finding the courage to move forward with a sense of purpose, knowing that life’s beauty often lies in its unpredictability.

Let us take action by creating vision boards, not as rigid maps to the future, but as sources of inspiration that fuel our journey. Let us plan, but also leave room for the unexpected. Like the ancient philosophers, warriors, and explorers, we must learn to walk the fine line between vision and flexibility. It is not the destination that defines us, but the way we live through the journey, adapting to its changes and opportunities. By embracing this balance, we can shape a future that is not dictated by strict plans, but by the strength and resilience we develop along the way. The future is an unfolding story, and we must be ready to write each chapter, embracing the adventure ahead.