Knowing the Goal: The Lighthouse of a Meaningful Life

“The good thing about life is that there are many ways we can live it. It is not necessary to follow set protocols.”

Life, in all its vastness and mystery, is a journey between birth and death—a grand adventure that unfolds through dreams, love, and freedom. And yet, despite the infinite paths we can walk, so many of us feel lost, stuck, or uncertain.

Why?

Because we don’t know the goal.
Or worse, we let others define it for us.

Wisdom Isn’t Always Taught in Classrooms

As humans, we possess the most advanced brain of any known life form on Earth. But that doesn’t mean we always use it wisely. While formal education can teach us many things, it’s not the only route to wisdom.

In fact, two of the most powerful ways to gain wisdom are incredibly simple:
Travel and Reading Great Minds.

When we explore new places or immerse ourselves in thought-provoking books, we stretch our perceptions and sharpen our understanding. From my own modest experiences—through travels and limited but meaningful reading—I’ve realized one thing: a happy life is not a myth. It’s possible for everyone.

But only if we know what we’re looking for.

The Story of the $1000 Hammer

Let me share a story that beautifully illustrates this truth.

Once, a large ship lay stranded in the harbor with a faulty engine. A team of expert engineers tried everything, but the engine just wouldn’t start. An old mechanic stood nearby, amused by their struggle. One of the engineers, irritated by his laughter, challenged him to try fixing it.

The old man asked for a hammer.

He walked up to the engine, tapped it twice in a specific spot—and to everyone’s amazement, the engine roared back to life.

The shipping company director, witnessing this, thanked him and asked for the bill.

The next day, the old man sent a simple breakdown:

Hammering the engine – $2
Knowing where to hit – $998

Knowing Where to Hit

That’s the secret—not just in repairing engines, but in navigating life itself.

It doesn’t matter how qualified or skilled we are if we don’t know where to direct our energies. Many of us are like the engineers on that ship—trained, intelligent, well-equipped—but lost without a clear goal. We end up working hard without moving forward.

But if you know where to hit—where to focus your efforts, your time, your emotions—you can transform your life.

Be the Captain of Your Ship

You are the captain of your life. And like any good captain, you need to know your destination. Because when the storms of life come—and they always do—it’s your vision, your goal, that acts as the lighthouse guiding you through the tempest.

Without a clear destination, even the grandest ship will drift endlessly.
In life’s salty waters, that drift isn’t just unproductive—it’s fatal.

So, What Is Your True Calling?

Take a moment to reflect.

Are you walking a path defined by someone else?
Do you wake up each morning with clarity or confusion?
Are you chasing shadows or moving toward your own light?

Knowing your goal isn’t just about ambition. It’s about alignment.
When you know your “why”, your actions have purpose. Your challenges become meaningful. And your life becomes yours.

So ask yourself, quietly and honestly:
What is my goal?
What is my calling?

Because once you know where to hit, you’ll know how to live.

bhaskar saikia