Destination Is a Description, Not a Prescription: The Power of Self-Will in Shaping Our Path

By Dr. Abdelwahab Arrazaghi, MD, FABIM, FRCPC

Is our path in life already written, or do we have the freedom to choose where it leads? For centuries, cultures and philosophies have debated destiny—whether it’s a fixed prescription handed down by fate or something more flexible.

A different way of looking at it is this: destination is not a prescription but a description. In other words, where we end up isn’t dictated by outside forces—it’s the outcome of the choices we make along the way.

What Does “Destination as a Description” Mean?

Think of life like a map. A prescription would mean the endpoint is already decided for you. But a description simply records where you’ve gone—the routes you’ve chosen, the turns you’ve taken, and the roads you’ve avoided. Your destination, then, is the natural reflection of your decisions, not an imposed fate.

The Power of Self-Will

At the core of this idea is self-will—our ability to choose and to act with intention. Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote that even in the most difficult circumstances, people retain the freedom to choose their response. That choice, however small, shapes meaning and direction in life.

Modern psychology echoes this truth. Albert Bandura’s work on self-efficacy shows that believing in our own capacity directly influences what we can achieve. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research reminds us that how we view challenges—whether as fixed obstacles or opportunities to grow—can change the trajectory of our lives.

The Brain’s Capacity to Change Course

For those who feel “stuck” in a path, neuroscience offers hope. Studies on neuroplasticity prove that the brain can adapt and rewire itself in response to new experiences, habits, and choices. This means we’re not bound by past patterns—we can literally reshape the way we think and act, altering the direction of our lives.

Freedom Comes With Responsibility

If destination is descriptive, then the responsibility lies with us. Every choice—whether bold action or passive inaction—adds to the story of where we’re heading. This perspective shifts the conversation: rather than blaming fate, we are called to own our journey.

Our Choices Shape Communities, Too

While self-will empowers us individually, its ripple effects extend into society. Communities and cultures are the sum of individual decisions. When people choose integrity, resilience, and service, they contribute to collective progress. When they choose avoidance or neglect, stagnation follows. In this sense, shaping our own path also shapes the world we live in.

Final Thoughts

Life is not a predetermined script. It’s a narrative—fluid, evolving, and deeply influenced by the choices we make. By embracing self-will, resilience, and responsibility, we author our own stories.

Our destination is not imposed—it is described by the steps we take, the attitudes we cultivate, and the values we live out each day.