The journey begins within you - Before setting off, we need to know who we are and where we want to go.

Many of us step onto the train of life without giving much thought to the destination.

We follow imposed schedules, sit where we’re told, and almost without noticing, travel miles toward a station we never consciously chose.

But have you ever asked yourself:

“Where am I really going?”

This is the question that marks the beginning of the Route of Transformation.

The first step is to look within

Self-knowledge is the very first station on this journey.

Without it, we may have speed, but no direction.

Imagine a fast, modern train, full of energy - but without a map. No matter how far it goes, it risks never reaching what truly matters.

Knowing yourself means gaining clarity about:

• Who you are today.

• What drives and motivates you.

• What impact you want to leave on others.

Without these answers, we live on autopilot, reacting to whatever happens instead of consciously choosing our path and being proactive in our daily choices.

“Self-knowledge is not a luxury, it’s direction. Without it, life moves fast… but often on tracks that may not truly be ours.”

Why is it so hard to stop at this station?

The truth is that self-knowledge requires courage.

It means facing not only our strengths, but also the fears, insecurities, and patterns or beliefs that hold us back.

It’s easier to keep moving without much thought… but that’s also what distances us from our purpose.

Here are some common obstacles:

• Lack of time → we never stop to reflect.

• Fear of the truth → afraid of uncovering inconsistencies between who we are and who we show to the world.

• Constant comparison → we look so much at others that we forget to listen to our own voice.

Practical exercise: 3 sentences to know yourself better

If this is your first stop on the journey, start simple.

Take 10 minutes and write down:

1. I am someone who…

2. What I value most is…

3. I want to be remembered for…

Don’t overthink it. The goal is not to write a perfect biography, but to capture an honest snapshot of who you are today.

The impact of self-knowledge in life

When you gain clarity about who you are, you can:

• Make more consistent decisions.

• Live with greater alignment between what you think, say, and do.

• Feel more confident in your choices and direction.

Without that awareness, you risk living on autopilot, always reacting instead of actively choosing the direction of your life.

Self-knowledge is not a final destination - it’s a continuous practice. Each stop on this journey reveals new inner landscapes and fresh learnings.

Getting ready for the next station

The Route of Transformation doesn’t end here.

Next, we’ll stop at the Station of Habits - because knowing who you are is just the beginning; you also need to align your daily actions with that identity.

Until then, here’s a powerful question to reflect on:

When was the last time you stopped to ask yourself if you’re on the right train?