Life. It’s saturated in mystery. The more you learn the more you realize how little we, as a species, really know.
But right now, we’re living during some very exciting times. Does every generation say that?
Regardless, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is happening as you read this. And, whether you know it or not, it will affect you.
This is the revolution of artificially-intelligent robots, self-driving cars, blockchain technology, neuro-technological brain enhancements, genetic editing.
The evidence of dramatic change is all around us and it’s happening at exponential speed.
This matters because it’s creating a tremendous amount of opportunity that never existed before. Opportunity for people just like you to design whatever life you desire.
But what will you do?
You were born.
You are here now.
You are part of it all.
“We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.” Neil deGrasse Tyson
So, yeah, you matter!
The decisions you make and actions you take, they all matter.
But how can you matter in a good way? To have purpose in this little life.
For Starters, Give Yourself Permission to Matter
I hate writing stuff like that because it always comes off as fluff BS. But it has to be said. Here’s why. Birth is like a lottery, who the hell knows what culture, area of the world or family you will be born into.
If someone is born into a bad situation where year after year they’re neglected mentally and physically they will deeply struggle to see their self-value. They can still be successful, hyperactivity fills the void, but at the same time that person can be completely destroyed inside due to lack of self-value.
You have to see the bigger picture and acknowledge that nobody can replace you. You are part of something bigger and you do matter. Nobody can take that from you.
Just give yourself permission to matter so you can take action and you’re already on a new trajectory.
Tap Into Your Story
If you want to have a meaningful life you have to get to know yourself. I’m talking about inner exploration.
It’s essential to understand your own life story to start uncovering your path or purpose. Whatever you want to call it. The idea is to get on the right track so you can do something meaningful.
A process we use for this in our mentorship program is called self-inventory. We break down the story into key motivational factors and life pillars.
Below is a quick example of the life pillars.
How you interpret the events of your life impacts how you see yourself and the world around you.
Not only is it meant to help you reflect on your life and develop a positive and meaningful life story but it also helps you understand what is most important to you. It’s a guiding light.
Are you on the right track?
Foster Great Relationships
This requires a full book to really cover the topic but let me drop some key insights to demonstrate why it’s so important.
When people have a baby it changes their world. It gives them purpose. They matter to that little bundle of joy who relies on their care. It’s a beautiful thing.
Putting the effort out to create positive relationships not only drives your success in life but you matter to people and it’s the key to your happiness.
Let me back that up. There was a 75 year study by Harvard that found the 1 secret to living a fulfilling life. Can you guess what it was? Duh, it’s good relationships! They make you happier and healthier.
Don’t be shy or lazy. Stay connected, build new relationships. Help others do better in life. Offer your care and services.
Be of value to the people you engage with around you.
Do Work That Matters and Use Your Time Wisely
We interviewed Tony Robbins for Change Creator Magazine and he said something that just stuck in my mind.
“The most sacred gift that you can give, besides your love, is your labor. So find something that you’re here to play for that’s more than just yourself.” Tony Robbins
Tony is an incredible inspiration and his book Awaking the Giant Within is a one that I highly recommend.
There is one thing in this world you cannot get more of – time!
How you spend that time is important to your fulfillment and the world.
We have families and bills and sometimes feel stuck doing shit work to manage those things. You’re a rockstar already for taking one on the chin and doing what you got to do, but guess what, if you want, you can still get on a track to wake up pumped to do something that actually matters to you and a lot of others.
Is it easy to make the transition, no. Is it worth it, hell yes!
Remember what I said in the beginning of this article about the fourth revolution and more opportunity than ever? There has never been a better time to create your own unicorn life that gives back to society and makes cash.
Don’t have experience doing what you want to do? Start volunteering on the side, get a side gig, take a new job with a social enterprise playing the space you want to be in. The hard truth is that you usually have to straddle two jobs for a while to make a transition.
You might say, I don’t have any time. Don’t have time…or won’t make time? Do me a favor and track your TV time everyday for 2 weeks and let me know how many hours. Or let me know what time you get up and sleep. I woke up everyday at 330-4am to do side hustle work, then took a train from Philly to New York City for work. Came home at night, went to gym, spent time with my family, and repeated next day.
Ask yourself this question? Are you on the path to become who you want to be 10 years from now?
If you say no, then decide to start making changes now to change your path.
When the pain of not doing something about your life becomes worse than doing something to make a change, you will start your process.
Conclusion
You already matter to the world but what you decide to do every day will determine the way in which you matter to the world and yourself.
The world needs you to spend your time wisely.
I write this article with a lot of passion and honesty. These are things that I have lived and heard from some of the top thinkers in the world.
I’m sharing them now to inspire you to live your truth and find more happiness through the actions you take and the way you see the world.
Share this with someone you think might like a little motivation today. Together, we can change the world!
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