Read This If You Think It’s Too Late For You
I posted on Facebook a little while ago about what people wished they’d been taught in school.
Among the most popular responses were:
- Personal Finance
- Mental Health
- Social Skills
Regardless of whether or not any of these resonate with you, just think of something that DOES resonate with you.Bring that into focus right now.
The point here is that it’s too late.
It’s too late for you because you’re not in school anymore.The good news is that if you’re reading this, you probably have a computer, a phone, and an internet connection.
So, although it’s too late for school, it’s not too late for your education.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is right now.” — Chinese Proverb
2 Minute Action
It will take you 2 minutes or less to sign up for a finance class, find an online counselor, join a local running club, or to start any of the things you wish they’d taught you in school.You have everything you need to make this happen.It’s just up to you and how much you care.
How To Make A Difference In The World In 2 Minutes Or Less
You may be able to tell by now . . .I'm a bit of a perfectionist.Okay, and an idealist.This has pros and cons, of course.One of the cons is that I often forget that most people don't care.
Most people just want to clock in and clock out.
They want to watch the game on the weekends and see the new Avengers movie.They want to have good food, a big house, and a nice car.Most people don't think about how many other people on the planet need their help right now.
But not you.
And the biggest advantage?Just by caring, you have set yourself apart.
You are on a completely different track.
If it doesn't seem like it yet, just remember that exponential curves look a lot like linear curves early on.And then, bang. It's not even close.
"To the arrow about to take swift and purposeful flight, it must feel like nothing is happening."- Zen and The Art of Archery
2 Minute Action
You have a bajillion ways to take action on caring, today.Here are 3:
- Look someone straight in the eye and tell them you appreciate them.
- Leave a note for a co-worker or partner who could use a smile.
- Finally, say "yes" and donate an extra freaking dollar to St. Jude when you checkout at the grocery store.
It's a dollar, people.Let's go.No excuses.Love is action. Action makes a difference.Let's make a difference, today.
The Sneaky Thing That Is Distracting Most People
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, CNN, ABC, FOX, the podcast you listened in the car, the sci-fi book you read, etc. etc. etc.These are all media from which we consume "content."Many people really seem to like the content of truisms, idioms, platitudes, or just plain old "sayings."
The trouble with "sayings" is that without context, they don't mean anything.
This is a platitude.It's just like a horoscope.
It could apply to anyone at any point in their lives.
Without context, it's hard to say "that's not true."Without context, it's hard to know how to empathize with the idea and understand it.Without context, it's downright impossible to not be confused by outright contradictions!
Here are some examples of what I mean:
"Good things come to those who wait."and"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."Or how about:"Better late than never."and"The early bird gets the worm."
Do you get my point?
It's impossible to vet any of this as useful without knowing to what the statement is referring.It's fluff.It's filler.
It's a pointless distraction and most people are falling for it.
At the moment, we are living in the Information Age, where it's up to us to calibrate our "B.S. detectors."Keeping context in mind is a huge part of the battle.If you want to understand people, make an impact, or move in the direction of your dreams, you're going to need to bring context into view.
2 Minute Action
What is one information source you use daily?Today, as you go through your routine, consider where "information" on this medium is coming from.It only takes an extra second--not even two minutes--to ask yourself:"Is this true in other cases?""Would this always apply to other parts of my life?""When does this not apply?"