“There’s a saying: you are never lost if you have found yourself.”

I took that to heart while young, and it has guided me throughout my entrepreneurial path—and in the way I pour into founders today. When you understand who you are, even the most complex paths become purposeful.

RAISING YOUR PERSPECTIVE TO UNDERSTAND THE LABYRINTH

Walking through a maze can be frustrating when you’re only focused on the walls around you. Instead of fighting that feeling, I’ve learned to step back and ask: How was this maze actually designed? Life, to me, is a form of art—each of us given a unique pattern to grow into.

The more time I spend reflecting on purpose, the easier it is to position myself correctly. These positions aren’t always comfortable. Sometimes they demand new skills, new cultures, new environments. Yet through all of it, I’ve learned that how I conduct myself—my character, my discipline, my posture—matters far more than the difficulty of the moment. Each experience becomes a stroke in the larger painting of purpose.

MINI-GAMES IN THE LABYRINTH

Along this path, life presents “mini-games”—moments designed to challenge, refine, and elevate you. I’ve mentioned chess in a previous blog, but another game I’ve increasingly appreciated is poker. I don’t play, but observing it shows me what matters: psychology, mathematics, and flow.

Like in life, it’s not always about bluffing. It’s about knowing the hand you’ve been dealt, having faith, calculating risk, and playing with intention.
Both games, chess and poker, sharpen strategic thinking—but in different dimensions.

And sometimes, going off the predetermined path is part of the discovery. Entrepreneurs know this deeply. You may be misunderstood, seen as unorthodox, or doubted entirely. But that’s often a sign you’re moving toward a path uniquely yours. Success is rarely linear. It’s more like a Sol LeWitt painting—structured, abstract, and unexpectedly beautiful when viewed from the right angle.

MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS , THOUGHTS, & ACTIONS

Being “lost” can be emotionally heavy, but how you manage your energy is everything. You must stay focused, yes—but you must also stay kind and aware of those around you. There is a real art in knowing when to be patient and when to act decisively.

Growth requires emotional preparation. Mentors, learning materials, strong relationships—all of these shape your inner strength. Your attitude determines your altitude, so stay positive, stay humble, and treat people with intention. You never know who is placed in your path to lift you—or who you are meant to lift.

FINAL THOUGHT

Life’s labyrinth isn’t meant to confuse you; it’s meant to form you. Every turn, every challenge, every unexpected detour is part of a larger design guiding you toward the purpose you were created to carry. When you learn to elevate your perspective, you stop fearing the maze—and start mastering it.

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or the left.” — Isaiah 30:21

— Early Boykins III