As I finish up the reflection upon the past two years, I figured it would be a good idea to create an overall conclusion to wrap it up. In a brief observatory state, with out going into any diatribes, I wanted to touch on a few common setbacks I see regularly. The four topics I want to speak on are finding purpose and meaning, having real-time conversations, investing in your self, and settling down a bit.
One of the most common pieces I observe so frequently today is the complete lack of purpose and meaning in life. All this means is that a person has a life long pursuit in which will continually motivate them to intentionally work towards a better self, life, and impact. Otherwise, there are only two other ways of living life, no action or blind action. Neither in which will lead to sustained growth and meaningful results. Sure a person may succeed through blind action, but most likely at the end of the day, it was for superficial reasons. How is anyone supposed to survive or thrive through the tough times without a definitive why to guide them? That’s what real purpose and meaning can give a person, no matter what the pursuit may be or the circumstances they have been dealt.
I’m sure many people would deem this to be the most obvious of observations, the general lack of real connection with others. All you need to do is go to any public place and all you see are people completely numbing themselves to all of the surroundings. Whether a person is walking, sitting, or eating you see there face slumped down into their phones. When you see this, you know that person is completely unaware of all surroundings. This is just one example, but the bigger issue being people are not connecting on a real level with others.
I am not saying that you should have to go out of your way to chat with everyone you encounter or anything of the sort. I am just saying, through observation and awareness, that it is actually quite easy to connect with people on a meaningful level if you are opening yourself to it. To me personally, there is nothing better than the unspoken eye to eye contact moments in which neither has to say a word but both truly appreciate each other for the subtle passing of acknowledgment. So much can be said without a word and by using our words intentionally we can really form deep bonds with anyone.
What truly astonishes me these days is the ease in which we all can become intellectual geniuses for nothing other than effort. Internet or library access is all we need to conquer our greatest desires, but yet so few invest in themselves to attain free knowledge. Yes, there still needs to be proof of action behind the knowledge to show a real understanding, but at the very least educate yourself! Podcasts, audiobooks, youtube videos, search engines, and many other countless platforms all at the ease of our fingertips being waisted for mind-numbing nothingness. All it takes is a little guidance and we can all become high-level masters at any discipline, so don’t waste your time checking out. Invest in yourself by checking in!
The last piece I wanted to touch on was for everyone to just settle down! Not everything has to be taken so damn personally nor do things have to be figured out right now. Yes decisions need to be made and everything comes to an end, but why not try to learn from all of it? Slow down, simplify, and start small with the understanding that, for anything really worthwhile, it takes time to mature. Conflicts don’t need to be resolved in one conversation. We all need to appreciate the development of something over time, let go of all the immediate gratification and 24/7 happiness BS. Forget about all the in the moment dopamine rushes and really focus on the long term. What are you doing a little of every day to become better in unforeseeable ways in the future? If you are not thinking like that, I dare say you are really not thinking at all!
With those most common cautionary observations, I must say I am excited to see what is coming in our near and distant future. Everything is progressing at speeds unfathomable and only exponentially increasing. It is hard to imagine where the future is leading us all, but the one thing that is in need more than ever is more leaders. There are so many people completely overwhelmed by everything without any clear way out. We don’t need more “marketing geniuses” who are taking advantage of others, we need leaders who lead by the example through their day to day life. That is where the proof is! It’s not how many followers or likes you have, nor is it creating a false illusion of what your life is like. No, it is all about the progression of yourself over a long period of time and the positive impact it has had on the surroundings you are in. That’s it! We can not leave this to other people, we must take ownership as individuals. Then and only then, can we come together to significantly impact the greater masses.