Opening a New Path

“It is said that success and happiness are goals that everyone desires and holds deep within their heart.”

Even the laziest and most unskilled among us carry this goal inside. Because humans, by nature, are beings in search of meaning. Similar to the views of psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, Turkish psychiatrist Doğan Cüceloğlu emphasizes that discovering one's purpose in life is a fundamental condition for psychological maturity (Being Human, 2019). Research also shows that individuals with a strong sense of meaning cope better with stress and have higher life satisfaction (Cüceloğlu, 2019).

Although many of us chase this purpose, we struggle with obstacles, inertia, difficulties, and impossibilities. We often lose hope. We wait for a helping hand — a savior to lift us out of our challenges with a magic wand. However, according to psychologist Mehmet Z. Sungur (2018), a permanent transformation is impossible without belief in one’s ability to change their own life (self-efficacy). Real success lies not in waiting for a savior, but in having the courage to carve your own path.

Whenever we begin this journey, those with little desire and persistence fall away one by one; we get tired, we fall, our hearts break. We separate, we divide. We give in to ambition. We lose our way in jealousy. It becomes harder each time to pursue our goals… Excuses and obstacles fill our minds.

But science says: “Perseverance is stronger than intelligence.” Psychologist Yasemin Aydoğdu (2021) found that the most important predictor of long-term success is perseverance and determination. Successful individuals reach their goals not by their talent alone, but by long-term consistency.

We have all started diets on Monday only to abandon them by Wednesday, haven’t we? Our desires are limitless; yet without leaving our comfort zone, many of us become stuck in dark paths and swamps of stagnation. Prof. Dr. Acar Baltaş (2017) emphasizes the concept of a “Growth Mindset”: failures are not the end, but opportunities for learning. Intelligence and ability are not fixed, but qualities that can be developed. This awareness makes us more resilient and open to learning.

If I said: there are many paths. Do not walk toward the valley of collapse. Do not wait for a savior; draw your own road, set your goals, overcome the obstacles. Turn inward to find your direction and listen to your heart. I know… you already know. You are living it. Still, I do not give up. With every fall, I learn to rise again; with every mistake, I learn to rethink. Because I know that every challenge is a teacher, and every wound is a sign.

Neuroscientific research shows that every mistake made during learning helps the brain form new neural connections — this is called neuroplasticity (Tanrıdağ, 2020). Change is not only possible; it is built into our nature and biology. The human brain is biologically programmed to learn, adapt, and reshape itself.

The journey shapes who I am. The more I struggle, the stronger I become, and the clearer I hear the voice within. No matter how lost I feel, I know I must look inside myself to find my direction. Because according to Prof. Dr. Feriha Baymur (2019), intrinsic motivation is grounded in three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Choosing your own path naturally fulfills all three.

I love running into the fire. I love the road, the struggle, the real passion. Most of all, I love our children. I love hoping for a future with humanity, unity, and compassion. I love solidarity. I love believing. I love striving to do what hasn’t been done. I love believing in myself and in others…

None of these feelings are a coincidence. In the field of positive psychology, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan (2012) emphasizes that positive emotions such as hope, love, and gratitude increase resilience and support long-term happiness. Similarly, Prof. Dr. Üstün Dökmen (2019) notes that positive emotions expand cognitive horizons and strengthen social connections.

Unity and solidarity are also foundational to this journey. The Turkish Life Satisfaction Survey conducted by Hacettepe University (2018) indicates that the strongest factor affecting happiness and longevity is the quality of one’s social relationships. Neuropsychologist Sinan Canan (2020) also states that the human brain is evolutionarily programmed to form social connections.

I intend to open a new path. I want to grow together, become experts together, succeed together. I want to always strive for better. I want to grow, learn — and above all, I want to master my craft. Because mastery is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey. As Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı (2018) states, mastery is not an innate gift; it develops through long-term, focused work and dedication.

Conclusion

The road is difficult but meaningful. Every fall is a rehearsal for rebirth.
Science says it, the heart says it:
True success is the work of those who draw their own path, build together, and rise again every time they fall.

References

• Aydoğdu, Y. (2021). Perseverance and determination: A study on the psychology of success. Istanbul: Beta Publishing.
• Baltaş, A. (2017). The growth mindset: Discovering your potential. Istanbul: Remzi Publishing.
• Baymur, F. (2019). Psychological foundations of motivation. Ankara: Nobel Publishing.
• Canan, S. (2020). The human brain and evolutionary behavior. Istanbul: Tuti Publishing.
• Cüceloğlu, D. (2019). Being human. Istanbul: Remzi Publishing.
• Dökmen, Ü. (2019). Communication conflicts and empathy. Istanbul: Remzi Publishing.
• Ortaylı, İ. (2018). How to live a meaningful life? Istanbul: Kronik Publishing.
• Sungur, M. Z. (2018). Be kind to yourself: Notes on self-efficacy. Istanbul: Psikonet Publishing.
• Tanrıdağ, O. (2020). The brain and learning. Istanbul: Alfa Publishing.
• Tarhan, N. (2012). The psychology of happiness. Istanbul: Timaş Publishing.
• Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). (2018). Life satisfaction survey. Ankara: TÜİK Publications.