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SECRET SAUCE
Thursday Apr. 12, 2018
Defining ‘the future’ requires too many crystal balls, too much wizardry …
But surely we can define our own, can’t we?
Defining our future – for any of us, is simply statement to make. Easy-peasy. Sure, of course, certainly – we should all be able to define our future – without thinking. Just like flipping a light switch, a habit-forming routine, ingrained deeply without need to think about it.
Is that so?
Or should is defining our future be a daily struggle, a daily focus, a daily concentration?
I think our habits define our future.
If we make a habit of being negative, our future will likely be gloomy.
If we make a habit of being fresh, happy, early, energetic, enthusiastic – what are the odds our future will reflect those habits?
And many people, I’m certain, never spend any time defining their future. Some because they never thought they could, some because they don’t think they can ‘think their way to a better future’ and many who don’t believe it can make a difference.
I’ve been down a deep hole more than twice in my life – I’ve climbed out, resolved not to be in deep holes anymore. More important, the ups and downs that used to drive my life (money, things, importance) have given way to a better appreciation of what is important in life. Important to me, important to everyone. Sure, it’s easy to say family, friends, community. They are important – but do they define you. Easy to say our interests, hobbies, pursuits in career and in selfless helping others might define us.
If you had to write a definition of yourself to show the world when you are gone, what would that be?
See, it’s not so easy is it.
I think our habits define our future.
I think our choices define our habits.
I think our values define our choices.
And what informs our values?
Is it just the lessons we’ve learned from parents, churches, schools, mentors and leaders of our land?
Or is it lessons we’ve learned from life too?
We all do well to learn lessons from books and lectures, from wise successful people passing on their thoughts, their messages … we should soak up every bit our sponge-brains can handle.
But there’s more to it than that.
Secret sauce.
Yes, secret sauce – that special ingredient we spread on everything we do, everyone we touch – that defines us.
It’s like ‘man’s search for meaning’, but I like ‘defining my purpose’ as a more effective way to an answer …
Yes, I will disclose it – but that’s another column for another day.
Reader feedback:
ONE SIMPLE METHOD
One Simple Method Do, or not do; show up, or stay home. Our choices no matter how innocuous are like the proverbial ripple in the pond. But if today was your last day........ who, what and where would you be? Especially at this stage of our lives. I guess whatever choice we make, we need to just show up and be happy. Pretty simple, ST, Didsbury, AB/from Australia … P.S.: Have been in Darwin staying with my brother for the past month. Now heading home early am to arrive the same day I left! Caught up on some of your musings. Always thought provoking.
NEXT NEW THINGS NEXT
Hi, Mark. The self driven life: an interesting concept, to be sure. Being a human person with free will and subsequent freedom (being in a neutral position, unencumbered by "attachments of all sorts), one can drive oneself to be an autonomous, self regulated individual....food for thought, AY, Yarker, ON
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