exacting

For debate. Unless the possibility of waste or failure is a reasonable deliberate outcome, first the steps to success must be well understood, and the foundation must be set into place. Only when the freedom is granted/earned to explore should such exploration occur. Otherwise it is noise that is emanated whilst barreling down the road of the unknown.

Also, how can we expect to be of any use to others if our own path is not straight?

exacting

1. tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands
2. requiring careful attention and precision

I'd like to think of it as deliberate action rooted in confidence. Confidence of the sort that is not invented but attained.

I am not supposed to know the outcome of my life, nor could I if I wanted to... but if I am attentive to what I have now, and seek as deeply as I can to use it all thoroughly and carefully... what more then could I do?