There’s a timeless story trope: When the universe sends a signal, the hero wanders the streets, mired in worry or despair. His gaze falling on a mother bird feeding her chicks, or on a neon cross in a tattoo parlor window, snaps him out of his daze and awakens him toward a path he didn’t see coming.
I’m not sure the universe does this on purpose. But I think we all experience similar poetic signals, and we are all affected by them, whether they end up being accidental or created for us in some way.
On a rainy Tuesday, just when you feel like the world is small and lonely, someone texts you out of the blue to remind you that you already have a lot of great people in your life, if you would just reach out to them.
You put off an important task by walking to the corner store unnecessarily. On the way, you pass a box of free books with a village. Church bells rang in the distance.
Just as you’re contemplating whether to change jobs, the driver behind you honks the horn. You look up and the light is green. “Let’s go!” he shouted.
I don’t think we should try to interpret these signals. You don’t have to fit into your belief system a certain way, the universe can summon a little bunny to come to you when you need to think about the preciousness of life.
Instead, you can recognize that signals do occur, and that they do matter. “Signs from the Universe” are popular in movies and literature because the meaning pops into everyone’s mind. They break through our belief systems, grab us by the collar, and show us something we need to see.
The reason signals work is that they pull you out of your thinking mind, which can be a small and oppressive place. Our thinking patterns are areas that people often wander into, so thinking tends to get stuck in ruts. I guess this is where we get the metaphor about the preoccupied hero leaving his apartment and wandering down the dreary streets. Something inside you knows when you need a change of scenery. That’s hoping you see something that shakes you out of your ruminations.
The signal is so impactful that it derails the current train of thought, allowing a new idea to take over and start a train bound for somewhere else. Neon crosses will flash at you when you feel lost and abandoned. When you are in a bad mood, the bird will appear.
That’s why requiring a signal doesn’t work. The signal must come from the world, from external mind, so you can’t wish them into existence. But you can open up to them, and when you open up to them, more people will be exposed to you.
If you are open to signals, you may find that the world has been trying to show you something. Patient trees contain the chain-link fence. One acorn at a time, the hard-working squirrel prepares for winter’s wrath. Doodles speak wise words or cryptic warnings.
Use these images however you wish. The universe does seem to have a lot to say, whether it’s intentional or not.
Being open to signals is just a matter of observing the world more, especially when the mind is feeling tense. Look at the rich details of the world around you and see what happens in retrospect. You’ll see words, badges, signs, animals, chatty strangers, and discarded objects.
When you see them, they’re already staring at you. Door. arrow. song. your own name. Conspicuous light. An ominous yet heartwarming sight.
Sometimes they will yell at you or even physically collide with you. Other times, they wait in shady corners for keen eyes to fall upon them.
Being open to signals simply means making it a habit to observe the world, just to see what is outside the mind. Of course, the time when we most need to be seen is when we are focused and introverted.
Openness is not a state of looking for signs or divination. You certainly don’t want to assume everything is a sign. What does this broken door handle mean? Is this lamppost my dad finally telling me not to go to law school?
The signal comes to you. They jump out at you and automatically attach meaning. No doubt or divination is required.
Some of the things that stick out to you seem to be clear tips, ideas, or guidance. Some simply suggest a change in mood or tone. Some are just fun. I was frowning and thinking about something serious when my cat got a sticky note stuck to his foot, panicked and bolted out the door like a cartoon character. The wind picked up, the thunder rumbled, and the abandoned Burger King crown rolled to my feet.
Sometimes the signals are vague or nonsensical. Other times, it’s undeniable that a billboard has the perfect advice for you, or that a bellicose seagull is calling you right. No matter how you think it all works, sometimes the universe has something definite to tell you.
You need to apologize.
Life is long and your problems are small.
The time has come to realize your dreams.
If important signs sometimes hit us, that must mean they sometimes miss us. Be open to signals.
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When are you going to make it happen?
You already know this, but here are some reminders about how the human mind works:
- You have great ambitions, which is very important to you.
- You believe you will do these things later, not now.
- The future never comes because life only happens now.
When you forget that, you put off the things that are most important to you, and then you get older.
If you really want to write a book, change careers, complete a renovation, learn piano – it has to happen now.
Otherwise, life’s default activities will crowd everything out:
Twice a year I run a program to help people achieve big personal wins. Now. for real.
This is called “a big win”. You choose a personal goal and work toward it in small, simple pieces called “chunks.”
This course is designed to break down any goal by:
- The next step is always clear
- The next step is always small
Because we work in small, manageable chunks, you don’t have to clear your schedule or wait for a better time. You can make great things happen now.
Registration is now open for the new One Big Win cohort.
To register or learn more, visit here:
[What is One Big Win?]Once you join OBW, you’ll be invited back for another big win every time we host a new group event. You can also repeat the plan at any time to achieve any number of goals.
(OBW alumni reading this: You will receive an email in the next few days about joining this new group. Start thinking about your next project now.)
Further reading:
The best things in life don’t happen by themselves
Do tasks, not goals
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