Be Self-Centered

Social media just may be the best and worst thing that has ever happened to mankind. On the one hand, it has reunited old friends, introduced strangers, been a billboard for random news and announcements, created businesses, and evoked awareness to a wide range of hot topic issues that would have otherwise been overlooked. (There's more, obviously, but for the sake of this piece, I'll stop there.)

On the other hand, social media has a dark side. It has swiftly and easily become a platform for people to spread negativity and hate throughout the world simply due to the convenience it provides by allowing us to hide behind our smartphones and laptops and remain as anonymous as we want.

There's something else, too. Social media is one extremely big scorecard. Better yet, it's nothing more than a lifestyle pageant, the hub of who's who and who's-doing-what with their life. I consider this part of the 'dark side', because by nature, we are impressionable beings. We tend to get caught up in comparing what we have or how we look to the next person. But when we do these things, it leaves the door wide open for insecurity and self-scrutiny, or self-righteousness and supremacy. It will leave you feeling either inferior, or superior, neither of which is good for the soul. So this is my reason for saying "be self-centered." I don't mean in terms of being selfish, per se, but rather, centering on thy self, and putting that focus on you and what you're doing. Comparing yourself to others doesn't give you the chance to be who you're supposed to be, and that's cheating yourself. Because in reality, the only person we should be comparing ourselves to is the person we were yesterday.

Think Small (How starting small helps you grow)

Nature has a way of teaching us lessons.  What we see as everyday occurrences can hold a wealth of inspiration if we stop for a minute and think about our connection to the World. Which brings me to today's topic.

If you want to do something big in life you have to start small. In fact, that's how all things begin. From this planet we occupy and even our own bodies. We should approach our goals with the same idea. In my opinion, this really has nothing to do with size as much as understanding. When a project, situation or business is small it's easier to grasp. For example, what do you think would be easier? To plant a Large Oak Tree or a seed? The answer is obvious.  

I'm not saying you shouldn't have big dreams. Your dreams should be enormous because you are capable of achieving anything and the bigger the dream the more excited you'll be about achieving it. However, when we start small we start with more understanding and as we grow so does our knowledge about what we're pursuing. And remember, even people who you think are doing "Big Things" had to start somewhere and it wasn't the top.

My Three Favorite Five Letter Words, continued...

UNTIL

Alas, the final word of my three favorite five letter words. If you haven't already done so, I invite you to check out posts three and 25 regarding the first two. For today, I want to give the final word, and that is "until".

We all need something that motivates us to keep moving towards the future. For most, it's a goal or a dream that helps us to keep moving. For me, I find that the word "until" is like a bridge between you and that goal or mission. Moreover, it's a tough word because it doesn't let you off the hook. It holds you responsible for your promises. For example, when I'm writing these entries, sometimes the ideas flow easily, other times it's a struggle. When the latter happens, I sit down and tell myself to keep brainstorming UNTIL I come up with an idea or UNTIL my thoughts become clear. It's similar to learning how to ride a bike for the first time and falling UNTIL you get your balance situated enough to ride smoothly. Because what's even more important than having a goal is actually completing that goal, whether big or small. That feeling of accomplishment and knowing that you finished what you started is enough to boost your self confidence to pursue bigger dreams.

Are You Uncomfortable? Good.

Society places a lot of emphasis on comfort. From jeans, to furniture, to luxury cars, competitors spend  millions of dollars each year pitching comfort in their ads in hopes that it will entice consumers to spend money with them. However, when it comes to reaching your goals, this is where you should be least comfortable. The growing process is about expansion, similar to going to the gym and stretching your muscles. Your mind works the same way. In order for it to grow it needs to work beyond its current capacity, (a.k.a. comfort zone), and explore more possibilities. For instance, if you currently own a business, or have a dream of doing so in the future, what more can you learn about this business and what information are you lacking? Are there classes you can take? Seminars or workshops you can sign up for? Trade-shows to attend? All of the above can provide a wealth of knowledge about various industries and always have the latest information on surrounding technology.

Leslie Romine  Uncomfortable Shoes

There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a comfortable life. I think it's safe to assume we all do. All work and no play is definitely not a philosophy that I subscribe to. But I do believe that comfort can lead to complacency, and that in turn, can leave room for someone else to get ahead.

Simply put, you will always continue to grow as long as you are willing to go beyond what comes easily to you.