The Trajectory: Take the Bull by the Horns
“You are always moving toward the consequences of your choices. The path of faith is filled with self-awareness and sober honesty. Inasmuch as you choose God’s wisdom and this path, your freedom will bring life and joy…”
A wise friend once told me, “What you are doing today will determine what you are dealing with 20 years from now.”
At the time, we were discussing health—and how our small daily choices can add up to something significant. I can attest to the truth of her words because, as a teenager, I chased that popular tan instead of protecting my skin. Now, decades later, this fair-skinned redhead has a standing annual appointment with the dermatologist. What seemed like a harmless daily choice at 16 or 17 has turned into something I’ll manage for the rest of my life.
While our conversation surrounded health, her wisdom applies to every area of life. The choices we make today—in our relationships, our work, our finances, and even our faith—determine what our lives will look like twenty years from now.
The word trajectory has been on my heart lately. It’s about the direction you're going—the small, daily actions that add up and ultimately shape your future. Sometimes we lose our motivation and become lackadaisical about certain areas of our lives. This is your reminder to take the bull by the horns and be honest with yourself about your priorities.
Let me ask you: What seeds are you sowing? What is your direction?
In this blog, I will guide you through a straightforward self-assessment. I’m going to be very transparent and share my own answers as an example, but I encourage you to pause and think through your responses (better yet, grab a journal and write it down).
Consider these questions:
· What does your life look like right now in the following areas: health, relationships, work, finances, home, and faith?
· What is going well and what could be better?
· If nothing changes, where will your current habits take you 20 years from now?
· Most importantly—do your actions support your future goals?
1. Health
What is going well?
In the past year, I’ve cut out seed oils, fast food, and—most recently—alcohol. Many close to me know I wrestled with that decision for over a year. Ultimately, it wasn’t just about my physical health, but also my spiritual health. I pray this sacrifice will pay dividends down the road.
I might only attend spin class once per quarter, but keeping up with my boys provides plenty of physical activity.
What could be better?
I eat too much sugar—full stop.
What is the trajectory?
My goal is to make choices that maximize energy and maintain clarity. Eating clean, eliminating alcohol, and getting sufficient sleep are my non-negotiables. My goal is to be 90 years old and be as active and sharp-minded as ever.
2. Relationships
What is going well?
They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. This past year has been about letting go of friendships where our values no longer aligned and letting go of once-strong friendships that were no longer viable. It’s been hard.
At one point, I found myself asking, “God, who do I have?” It felt like every time I turned around, a friendship was dissipating. Now, I see He was making space.
He didn’t bring me new friendships but instead strengthened existing ones. He even brought a childhood friend back into my life. Today, I am surrounded by hard-working, faith-driven people—the kind who will call me out but will also pray for me wholeheartedly.
This year, I’ve had more quality time with my young boys and husband. It has been a blessing.
What could be better?
I’d love more quality time with my husband. No matter how much time we have together, I always find myself wanting a little more.
I also wish I had more time with friends. However, I recognize that time is finite, and this season with my young boys is one to be cherished.
What is the trajectory?
Twenty years from now, I pray for a meaningful, lasting relationship with my sons. I can’t know for sure if the time I’m investing now will yield the desired result, but I’m hopeful that the seeds I’m sowing today will bear fruit in the years to come. I also aspire to have a meaningful marriage and authentic friends.
3. Work & Purpose
What is going well?
In the past year, the Grit and Grace devotional was published, and I launched an online store. The Rancher’s Daughter brand is growing—and considering it was just a whisper less than 18 months ago, I’m incredibly grateful for what it’s becoming. Creekside Capital (financial consulting company) has stabilized. I no longer feel the need to advertise, and I love the clients and referrals that come my way. Tyson’s real estate business has also flourished, and together we’ve been deeply blessed.
What could be better?
From starting businesses to writing a book to launching an online store—these were all calls God placed on my heart. Yet, I still don’t feel like I’ve “arrived.” This is where grit and grace meet the road. I’ve never lacked grit, but I often fail to give myself grace.
What is the trajectory?
When I launched my first business, God reminded me often: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10). My prayer is that these small beginnings will grow into something meaningful, not just for me, but for those I serve.
4. Finances & Wealth
What is going well?
The businesses we started 3–4 years ago are stabilizing and providing consistent income, and over the past year, we’ve reduced a significant amount of debt.
What could be better?
Tithing is very important to me, but I often feel like I could give more.
What is the trajectory?
It may be an ambitious goal, but I’d like to be debt-free by the time I turn 50. I know, I know…
Scripture reminds us that “the Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). My prayer is that as our resources grow, so will our ability to give generously—to the church and to those in need.
5. Home & Environment
What is going well?
Last year, we moved from the ranch to what I now consider our forever home. Leaving was hard, but the 56-mile round trip to town was taking its toll. Over the past year, we’ve enjoyed more family time, which has been such a blessing. I love the peacefulness of our place—it truly feels like home.
What could be better?
In my mind, I “renovate” our mid-century home daily. The reality is that renovations take both time and money. I dream of the day it looks like something out of Magnolia magazine, but for now, debt reduction takes priority.
What is the trajectory?
My hope is that in the next year we can begin making progress on renovations, and someday, this home will reflect the story and spirit of our family. For now, I’m focused on keeping the dishes done, the laundry pile manageable, and the yard mostly maintained (thank you Lord for the abundant rain this summer - I might have weeds, but everything is green and beautiful).
6. Faith & Personal Growth
What is going well?
God’s whispers feel louder than ever. I may not always understand what they mean or where they will lead, but I know He is near. I’m on a path of learning more about the faith, and it feels like He is drawing me closer day by day.
What could be better?
The past five years have felt like repeated obedience training. It starts with God asking me to surrender something I love or enjoy. I wrestle with it for a year, and then—finally—I obey.
He has blessed me along the way, but the road hasn’t been easy. From giving up what I thought was my identity and future—my career as a banker—to letting go of my evening glass of wine, it has all been a humbling process of stripping away pride.
I fail daily and rarely give myself enough grace. Thankfully, we have a Father who always does.
What is the trajectory?
The ultimate goal of this life is to make it to heaven, and I pray I am on the right path. I pray earnestly that my loved ones will be saved as well. Most of all, I hope the life I live draws others closer to Christ.
Final Reflection
What does your assessment look like? Is there an obvious area you need to be more diligent about? Where do you need to give yourself grace?
Trajectory isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction. Each of us has the power, by God’s grace, to shift our path. The question is: What future are you walking toward—and what can you do today to take one step closer to it? Is it time to pivot? Take the bull by the horns and lead your best life.
Godspeed, my friend.
Please share your comments below.
“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.”
