"You need to learn all about what you're all about."
-- Mike Michalowicz. www.ToiletPaperEntrepreneur.com
What makes you tick? What are you wildly passionate about? What are you really, really good at? What do you love doing so much that you'd do it even if you weren't getting paid?
These questions may sound trite or sophomoric, but if you don't know the answers to them immediately, you don't know yourself.
Why is knowing yourself so important? Because if you don't know yourself, you may end up being just a clone of somebody else. A little Katie Couric Jr. or Tony Robbins the Second, or, heaven forbid, a later, but no greater, version of your mom or dad. Knowing yourself is the heart of all knowledge, and the first step towards living an authentic and joyous life.
I'm not talking about self-absorption here. I'm not talking about boring everyone to tears with stories of every minor inconvenience and petty slight that you experience. No, I'm talking about knowing you for you. I'm talking about knowing what your passion truly is and how you can best use that passion to serve the world.
Here's the Acid Test (with apologies to Ken Kesey): Do you wake up each morning excited to be alive, jazzed by what you plan to do that day? If not, you're not living your passion, you're not being the real you. Go back to square one. Find out what makes your heart sing, what makes you truly come alive. And then do it. Even if only for a few minutes everyday.
And then find or, more likely, create, ways to do more of it. Knowing all about you, should lead to being more of who you really are. And that, my friend, is why you're here. No other reason. Not to fulfill any sort of external destiny. Not to live up to anyone else's expectations. Just to be you.
What could be simpler? What could be harder? What could be more joyous?
Living the Paradox
"To me, life is all about living it with full passion and zest and with arms wide open. At the same time, understand on one level the meaninglessness of it, and on the other level, living like it means everything. In a way, that's what sports is all about."
-- Gary Smith
Ok, which is it? Is life meaningless or is it all important? Both. Or at least, it can be seen as both. Ultimately it is meaningless, but on a day-to-day basis, we live it to the best of our ability as if it matters. Why? What other reason is there to play a game other than to enjoy doing your best?
You may be like Holden Caufield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel Catcher in the Rye. He says he hates it when people say "life's a game." Sure, it's a game if you're on the winning team, Holden opines. But if you're not on the side of the winners, life's not a game at all, he thinks. And while I respect Holden's opinion (as much as you can respect the opinion of an imaginary character), I think he misunderstands the very nature of play. You don't play a game to win. You play a game because you love to play. It's the playing itself that matters, much more than the winning or losing.
And that's why people use sports metaphors so often when talking about life. Sooner or later in the Game of Life, everyone loses. Death is the final winner. Like a long, boring soccer game, the final score is always the same -- Death 1, Humanity 0. And yet the final score doesn't matter. The joy, the exuberance, the challenges experienced day-to-day are what matter.
The term used in Hinduism is lila, which loosely translated means "divine play." Life is divine play, and we're the divine players. No ultimate meaning to the game, and yet you play your heart out. And, when your heart finally gives out altogether, game over, but only for you. The game goes on with literally, "wet behind the ears" rookies and wily veterans, with young turks and old crones both playing their parts to the hilt. The game always transcends any one player, no matter how skilled or accomplished that player may be.
But today, you're still here. You're still in the game. Why not enjoy it? Passion and zest. Arms wide open. As it says above the tunnel leading from the Notre Dame locker room to the football field, "Play like a champion today."
-- Gary Smith
Ok, which is it? Is life meaningless or is it all important? Both. Or at least, it can be seen as both. Ultimately it is meaningless, but on a day-to-day basis, we live it to the best of our ability as if it matters. Why? What other reason is there to play a game other than to enjoy doing your best?
You may be like Holden Caufield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel Catcher in the Rye. He says he hates it when people say "life's a game." Sure, it's a game if you're on the winning team, Holden opines. But if you're not on the side of the winners, life's not a game at all, he thinks. And while I respect Holden's opinion (as much as you can respect the opinion of an imaginary character), I think he misunderstands the very nature of play. You don't play a game to win. You play a game because you love to play. It's the playing itself that matters, much more than the winning or losing.
And that's why people use sports metaphors so often when talking about life. Sooner or later in the Game of Life, everyone loses. Death is the final winner. Like a long, boring soccer game, the final score is always the same -- Death 1, Humanity 0. And yet the final score doesn't matter. The joy, the exuberance, the challenges experienced day-to-day are what matter.
The term used in Hinduism is lila, which loosely translated means "divine play." Life is divine play, and we're the divine players. No ultimate meaning to the game, and yet you play your heart out. And, when your heart finally gives out altogether, game over, but only for you. The game goes on with literally, "wet behind the ears" rookies and wily veterans, with young turks and old crones both playing their parts to the hilt. The game always transcends any one player, no matter how skilled or accomplished that player may be.
But today, you're still here. You're still in the game. Why not enjoy it? Passion and zest. Arms wide open. As it says above the tunnel leading from the Notre Dame locker room to the football field, "Play like a champion today."
Destiny
"I don't believe in destiny. I believe in good pitching and good defense and timely hitting. That's destiny. You do enough of that, you create your own destiny."
-- Lou Pinella (Chicago Cubs Manager)
You have no destiny, manifest or otherwise. You are not meant for anything in particular. It has not been written in advance what you will do, what you will achieve, or if, or how, you will be remembered. It's all up to you. At least to a certain degree. You don't control the outcomes in your life, but you at least influence them by the actions that you choose to take.
As Lou points out -- do enough of the right things and the results that you desire are more likely to transpire. Rely on destiny to get you there, and you'll most likely miss the bus, even the short one.
But, contrary to popular belief, your eye should not be on the prize. It should, instead, be on the ball. Focus upon what you are doing right here, right now, rather than upon the result you wish to achieve, and, paradoxically, you are more likely to achieve that result. Focused action increases your odds of success, however you define it. Wishing, hoping and relying upon destiny has very little positive impact.
One more thing. Most athletes say they would play their chosen game for free because they love playing it so much. It's easy to hear that with a jaundiced ear, given the stratospheric salaries that many pro athletes receive these days. But think about it -- all top athletes played their game for free for many, many years before they were ever paid a nickel. The lesson is clear: Loving what you do is both its own reward and the most likely avenue to future reward, whether that reward be bucket of money or a World Series ring.
So today, go out there and do what you love. Pitch well, play some good defense, and, if the opportunity arises, make that timely hit. Get in the game and create your own destiny. Today. Now.
-- Lou Pinella (Chicago Cubs Manager)
You have no destiny, manifest or otherwise. You are not meant for anything in particular. It has not been written in advance what you will do, what you will achieve, or if, or how, you will be remembered. It's all up to you. At least to a certain degree. You don't control the outcomes in your life, but you at least influence them by the actions that you choose to take.
As Lou points out -- do enough of the right things and the results that you desire are more likely to transpire. Rely on destiny to get you there, and you'll most likely miss the bus, even the short one.
But, contrary to popular belief, your eye should not be on the prize. It should, instead, be on the ball. Focus upon what you are doing right here, right now, rather than upon the result you wish to achieve, and, paradoxically, you are more likely to achieve that result. Focused action increases your odds of success, however you define it. Wishing, hoping and relying upon destiny has very little positive impact.
One more thing. Most athletes say they would play their chosen game for free because they love playing it so much. It's easy to hear that with a jaundiced ear, given the stratospheric salaries that many pro athletes receive these days. But think about it -- all top athletes played their game for free for many, many years before they were ever paid a nickel. The lesson is clear: Loving what you do is both its own reward and the most likely avenue to future reward, whether that reward be bucket of money or a World Series ring.
So today, go out there and do what you love. Pitch well, play some good defense, and, if the opportunity arises, make that timely hit. Get in the game and create your own destiny. Today. Now.
The Setting Sun
"One evening I received a hint from the setting sun that all creation is beyond thought. The setting sun knows nothing about the setting sun, but it is the setting sun."
-- Sodo Yokoyama
Thought won't cut it. Try as you might, you can't understand the world (all creation) by thinking about it. You can't cogitate yourself out of the problems of existence. Maybe because the problems are of your own making -- there is nothing to understand!
The setting sun exists, as does all creation, in a world untouched by human thought. It just is. That may not sound like any big deal, but if you truly "get it," you are free. Free of attempting to use your rational faculties to understand, or make meaning of, life. Life is to be lived, enjoyed, experienced -- all meaning-making is secondary. Meaning is the consolation prize for a life not fully lived.
And what about that setting sun? It teaches not by word, but by being. Unaware of its power, it nevertheless conveys deep insight. And it's just not the setting sun. Every natural phenomena, be it sunrise or summer storm, foggy morning or gently falling snow grants us its power and depth. "He who has eyes, let him see," as our good buddy JC purportedly intoned.
So, today, on the autumnal equinox, hang out a bit with nature. Welcome her hints, revel in her power and depth. And know hers to be yours as well. Beyond thought, Being. Just what is. No problem.
-- Sodo Yokoyama
Thought won't cut it. Try as you might, you can't understand the world (all creation) by thinking about it. You can't cogitate yourself out of the problems of existence. Maybe because the problems are of your own making -- there is nothing to understand!
The setting sun exists, as does all creation, in a world untouched by human thought. It just is. That may not sound like any big deal, but if you truly "get it," you are free. Free of attempting to use your rational faculties to understand, or make meaning of, life. Life is to be lived, enjoyed, experienced -- all meaning-making is secondary. Meaning is the consolation prize for a life not fully lived.
And what about that setting sun? It teaches not by word, but by being. Unaware of its power, it nevertheless conveys deep insight. And it's just not the setting sun. Every natural phenomena, be it sunrise or summer storm, foggy morning or gently falling snow grants us its power and depth. "He who has eyes, let him see," as our good buddy JC purportedly intoned.
So, today, on the autumnal equinox, hang out a bit with nature. Welcome her hints, revel in her power and depth. And know hers to be yours as well. Beyond thought, Being. Just what is. No problem.
The Wisdom of Inattention
"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
-- William James
There's alot of crap out there that just isn't worth your attention. The current presidential election campaign for one thing. I'm not saying you shouldn't vote -- of course, you should. But you already know who you're going to vote for, so why pay attention to all the rhetoric, posturing and bullshit that make up the campaign?
Angelina Jolie's quest to adopt one kid from every country in the world, forget it! Whatever Tom Crusie and Katy Holmes are doing in the hidden bowels of Scientology -- who gives a rat's ass? Most of what makes up the world news, and all of what makes up the "entertainment news," is a complete waste of your time. Overlook it.
What else should you overlook? On a more personal level, overlook every perceived slight, minor rudeness, or petty injustice that you have received. In other words, don't hold grudges, or they will indeed hold you, down. Overlook all the advertisements for totally useless shit that you don't need. Overlook all the vacuous new TV shows that crowd the airwaves and dull your mind. Overlook the latest diet craze, self-help tome and violent movie that the marketing machine is attempting to foist upon you.
When it comes down to it, you can pretty much overlook all of contemporary culture and thus make room for more important things like authenticity, love and joy. These qualities are never captured by focusing upon external pursuits. Instead they are patiently waiting within, waiting for you to discover them.
Today is the perfect day to make the decision to ignore or overlook all the shallow, external stuff that eats up your energy, time and attention. Take that energy and attention and refocus it on what you can control (yourself) and what you can influence (the environment and people closest to you). In so doing, you will not only be reclaiming your own power, but also taking a giant step towards becoming truly wise.
-- William James
There's alot of crap out there that just isn't worth your attention. The current presidential election campaign for one thing. I'm not saying you shouldn't vote -- of course, you should. But you already know who you're going to vote for, so why pay attention to all the rhetoric, posturing and bullshit that make up the campaign?
Angelina Jolie's quest to adopt one kid from every country in the world, forget it! Whatever Tom Crusie and Katy Holmes are doing in the hidden bowels of Scientology -- who gives a rat's ass? Most of what makes up the world news, and all of what makes up the "entertainment news," is a complete waste of your time. Overlook it.
What else should you overlook? On a more personal level, overlook every perceived slight, minor rudeness, or petty injustice that you have received. In other words, don't hold grudges, or they will indeed hold you, down. Overlook all the advertisements for totally useless shit that you don't need. Overlook all the vacuous new TV shows that crowd the airwaves and dull your mind. Overlook the latest diet craze, self-help tome and violent movie that the marketing machine is attempting to foist upon you.
When it comes down to it, you can pretty much overlook all of contemporary culture and thus make room for more important things like authenticity, love and joy. These qualities are never captured by focusing upon external pursuits. Instead they are patiently waiting within, waiting for you to discover them.
Today is the perfect day to make the decision to ignore or overlook all the shallow, external stuff that eats up your energy, time and attention. Take that energy and attention and refocus it on what you can control (yourself) and what you can influence (the environment and people closest to you). In so doing, you will not only be reclaiming your own power, but also taking a giant step towards becoming truly wise.
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