What's the Difference Between Fate & Destiny? - Don't Get Them Confused!
by Mateo Sol on August 08, 2017, from LonerWolf Website Italian version
Are you living out your fate or creating your destiny...?
Fate and destiny are both terms that tend to be used interchangeably in conversations.
We hear people saying, "He met his fate" and "It must be her destiny" - but,
have you ever wondered that the actual differences between fate and destiny are?
What is Fate?
"Fate" comes from the Latin word Fatum meaning,
"Fate" comes from the Latin word Fatum meaning,
"That which has been spoken."
Therefore, through the ages, fate has come to be associated with that which has been predetermined for our lives.
Fate is based on the notion that there is a natural order in the Universe which cannot be changed, no matter how hard we try.
The ancient Greeks and Romans even believed that three goddesses called:
- Clotho
- Lachesis
- Atropos
(or the "Three Fates") had the role of determining a person's ultimate life path.
Fates - Wikipedia
Overall, fate tends to have pretty negative connotations.
For example, people who experience misfortune often tend to believe that fate is the cause.
Fates - Wikipedia
Overall, fate tends to have pretty negative connotations.
For example, people who experience misfortune often tend to believe that fate is the cause.
Pessimistic terms such as "to seal one's fate" and "a fate worse than death" all suggest that fate is something undesirable and negative.
Spiritually, fate is what occurs when we ignore our life calling and don't actively work to reconnect with our souls or True Nature.
When we leave our lives up to fate, we are basically handing over the reins of control to other people and outside circumstances.
Spiritually, fate is what occurs when we ignore our life calling and don't actively work to reconnect with our souls or True Nature.
When we leave our lives up to fate, we are basically handing over the reins of control to other people and outside circumstances.
When we don't put any effort into consciously changing and evolving, what happens is fate.
What is Destiny?
Destiny has much more positive connotations than fate.
Deriving from the Latin word Destinare, destiny means,
"that which has been firmly established."
While this definition also refers to the idea of predetermined events, destiny is something we can actively shape and alter.
Unlike fate, there is an element of choice in destiny.
Qualities such as:
- courage
- compassion
- willpower
and patience can all help to change your destiny.
Spiritually, destiny is intimately connected to our ultimate life path.
When we choose to step up and take responsibility for our lives, then we are actively shaping our destiny instead of leaving our lives to fate.
Fulfilling our destiny involves consciously developing a connection to our deepest inner selves and maturing on an emotional, mental, and spiritual level.
What's the Difference Between Fate and Destiny?
Summarized:
Fate is that which you cannot change.
Destiny is that which you're meant to do.
While fate is what happens when you don't take responsibility for your life, destiny is what happens when you commit to growing, learning, and taking chances.
Being "destined for greatness" only comes through active and conscious decisions.
But fate is what happens when you let other people and external circumstance dictate your life.
Do We Have Control?
Fate and destiny can be perceived as two sides of the same coin:
both are predetermined.
But the important thing to remember is that there are infinite possibilities in life.
Fulfilling our destiny means consciously directing the stream of our lives in a certain direction.
While subjectively (to the ego) this means that we have control and choice, objectively, there is no such thing as control or choice because the concept of "me" and "you" don't exist (except in the mind).
While subjectively (to the ego) this means that we have control and choice, objectively, there is no such thing as control or choice because the concept of "me" and "you" don't exist (except in the mind).
So, the answer to the question "do we have control" is paradoxical:
we 'do' and we 'do not' have control...
However, while we are still operating on the level of having a sense of self (ego), it is vital that we proactively work to step up and take responsibility for our destiny.
How to Fulfill Your Destiny
As long as you are consciously seeking to learn, grow, and spiritually evolve, you are fulfilling your destiny.
However, if you're wanting to achieve your highest potential, you might benefit from the following tips:
Develop self-understanding
There are so many free resources out there (including this website) which can help you understand who you are better.
Our free tests section is a great place to start.
Our free tests section is a great place to start.
Find out what you're passionate about
What sets your soul on fire?
What excites and thrills you?
What do you admire and deeply enjoy doing?
Make sure you keep doing whatever fulfills you.
What excites and thrills you?
What do you admire and deeply enjoy doing?
Make sure you keep doing whatever fulfills you.
Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you
Critics and judgmental people often trigger huge amounts of self-doubt within us.
Sometimes we actually listen to these unsupportive people who tell us how to "live our lives," resulting in us choosing the wrong life path.
Identify people in your life who are negative influences and remove them or reduce contact.
Seek out:
- kind
- inspiring
- empathetic
friends.
Permit yourself to move out of your comfort zone
Often, the biggest life changes occur when we make bold decisions.
Sometimes fulfilling your destiny means getting a little bit uncomfortable or even making a terrifying leap of faith.
Whatever the case, make sure you listen to your intuition and also use logic where necessary.
Whatever the case, make sure you listen to your intuition and also use logic where necessary.
Identify limiting beliefs
When we believe our thoughts, we experience:
- anger
- insecurity
- sadness
- shame
and anxiety.
The number one greatest block most people experience when trying to fulfill their destiny are core beliefs.
Core beliefs are the main ideas we carry about ourselves which we were conditioned to believe since birth.
Core beliefs are the main ideas we carry about ourselves which we were conditioned to believe since birth.
Common core beliefs include:
"I am unworthy."
"I am stupid."
"I am a bad person."
"I don't deserve happiness."
Ask other people for support
You don't need to travel your journey alone.
If you need some guidance, seek out help from a loved one, counselor or spiritual teacher.
If you need some guidance, seek out help from a loved one, counselor or spiritual teacher.
People who have walked this path before you can share a lot of wisdom which will benefit you greatly.
I like to say a simple prayer asking for guidance when I need help.
I like to say a simple prayer asking for guidance when I need help.
Prayer doesn't have to be religious - you can pray to Life, the Universe, Spirit, the Mystery, or whatever moves you.
Make a list of all your strengths
This simple practice can help to direct your energy in a more sustainable and beneficial way.
Remember that setbacks are normal
There is no such thing as failure, only learning opportunities.
If something doesn't go your way, take a deep breath and realize that sometimes life wants us to move in a different direction.
If something doesn't go your way, take a deep breath and realize that sometimes life wants us to move in a different direction.
Create goals
Goals are clearly defined milestones which can help you to get organized and prioritize what is most important to you.
Show kindness towards yourself
The more love and compassion you show towards yourself, the more you are naturally moving towards your ultimate destiny.
Be mindful of negative and critical thoughts and let them pass without attaching to them.
Be yourself
There has never been a person exactly like you on the face of this planet, ever.
Instead of imitating other people, explore what comes most naturally to you.
There are too many people out there copycatting others.
There are too many people out there copycatting others.
Be yourself.
Explore your own style.
Enjoy the peace that comes with not having to be someone you're not
Explore your own style.
Enjoy the peace that comes with not having to be someone you're not
Ask yourself:
"What do I want the most in life?"
and direct all of your attention towards fulfilling that goal.
Do you want freedom, peace of mind, love?
When all's said and done, everything returns back to the desire for happiness.
However, remember that chasing happiness actually creates suffering.
However, remember that chasing happiness actually creates suffering.
Happiness can never be found in the past or future: it can only ever be found now, in the present moment.
Therefore, to further refine the question, you might like to ask yourself:
"How can I enjoy life right now, in the present moment?"