Not every thought or impulse that crosses our minds deserves to become an action. Life is a delicate balancing act—a dance between chasing our dreams and making thoughtful, deliberate choices. Acting on every idea might feel liberating at first, but it often leads to chaos, burnout, or wasted energy. The truth is, not every wave in the vast ocean of our minds is worth chasing. Some ideas are fleeting whims, while others hold the depth and purpose to truly shape our lives. The challenge lies in discerning which is which. Before jumping on an idea, it’s worth pausing to ask: Does this align with my values? Does it contribute to my long-term goals? Is it worth the time and energy? By filtering our thoughts through these questions, we channel our focus into what truly matters, avoiding distractions that pull us away from our purpose.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have to experience everything ourselves to make wise decisions. While personal experience is an unmatched teacher, it’s not the only source of wisdom. In fact, some experiences come with risks that simply aren’t worth taking. We can gain just as much insight—if not more—by observing the successes and failures of others. Conversations, books, and mentorship offer windows into a wealth of knowledge accumulated over generations. By learning from others’ mistakes, we can avoid those same pitfalls and save ourselves time, heartache, and unnecessary detours. Imagine life as a road trip: do we really need to drive down every wrong turn to understand it’s the wrong direction? Or can we trust the guidance of maps, signs, and travelers who’ve already been there?

In logistics, “demurrage” refers to the unnecessary consumption of valuable time and resources. The concept applies just as well to life. Insisting on experiencing everything firsthand or attempting to reinvent the wheel can lead to wasted time, strained relationships, and even burnout. By the time we realize an impulsive decision wasn’t worth it, the damage—both to ourselves and to those around us—might already be done. The cost is often more than we anticipated. Learning from others’ experiences allows us to sidestep these traps, giving us the freedom to focus on what truly matters.

This is where mentorship becomes invaluable. A mentor isn’t just a guide—they’re a compass. Mentors bring the clarity of hindsight, sharing lessons from their triumphs and failures so we don’t have to endure the same struggles. They offer tailored advice, hold us accountable, and provide the emotional support we need during challenging times. A good mentor helps us see the bigger picture when emotions cloud our judgment. They encourage us to think critically, act intentionally, and stay aligned with our goals. The best part? They empower us to grow independently, equipping us with the tools and confidence to face challenges with clarity.

Freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want, whenever we want. It’s about making the right choices—the ones that align with our values and bring long-term fulfillment. True freedom comes from living intentionally, balancing our desires with our responsibilities, and respecting the interconnectedness of life. Freedom without purpose leads to chaos, but freedom guided by wisdom brings clarity and peace. Life isn’t about chasing every thought or acting on every impulse. It’s about identifying what matters most and directing our energy there.