Whose goals are they anyway?

Many of us did not consciously choose some of the most consequential life paths we’ve taken.  We are born with a religion, a culture, and strong views on everything from relationships to the significance of education and wealth. Then we delude ourselves into believing that after careful consideration, we chose these ideas.

Obtaining an advanced degree or gaining fame, getting married, traveling the world, or creating wealth are worthy goals, provided they are in fact your goals. No one on their death bed ever said: If only I had spent more time chasing other people’s dreams.

It’s valuable to reflect on the paths we take and ask: “Who is this for?”

All problems are real

It’s easy to look at the 3-year-old who’s having a tantrum because his fingerpainting got ruined and think: get some real problems! This is exactly how the fifth-grader going through her first heartbreak views him.

But the fifth-grader’s father who just lost his job views her the same way. And those who were unlucky enough to be born in a country with no freedom, where they could be killed for expressing their views, would probably trade a limb to have these “problems”. And on and on it goes.

There’s no point in comparing, because to each person, their “crisis” is justified and very real. Life and its challenges are not part of a competition. Knowing this should be the basis for compassion.

What you’ll do…the only thing that matters

Mark Twain said: “The man who doesn’t read has no advantage over the man who can’t read.”  Gender pronoun neglect aside, he makes the point that knowledge is meaningless if you don’t apply it.

So when you acquire experience, knowledge, or some new perspective…what will you do with it?  How will you use it to better yourself, and what will you do to become an inspiring example for others?

Education and certifications are great to have.  But the plain truth is that no one cares what you have.  It’s what you do with what you have that matters.