There can be no debate that we are living in a troubling time.
Bernie got screwed, Hillary lost, Trump won, it’s the Russians’ fault, womens’ march, Muslim ban, violent protests, Obamacare repeal, the wall, fake media, etc. This list could go on and it seems endless.
Newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV bombard us with their jaded opinions, agendas, and misinformation. It is hard to decipher fact from fiction. Who do we believe? Who do we trust? What do we believe and trust?
I believe we are missing the point entirely. We are not asking the right question.
WHY do we believe? WHY do we trust? WHY do we make decisions?
The other day a friend forwarded me an email. In the email, the original sender asked himself a question, “Of what am I certain?” He answered the question by explaining and reminding his employees about their Vision and Mission. It was an inspiring email and gave me the idea for this post.
So, of what am I certain?
- Certainty: I am certain that I defied the odds when I survived a heart attack and stroke (what I did.)
- False why: Medical intervention and therapy. (these are hows)
- Actual why: Because I believe in my body’s ability to heal. I believe I am not a majority statistic in a bell-shaped curve.
- Uncertainty: Will I ever have another major medical crisis? (what will happen.) I don’t know!
- Certainty: I do not have a job. (I purposely avoid negative “I am” phrases like I am unemployed. The condition of my employment does not define who I am.)
- False why: My education, experience, and skills listed on a resume do not match what employers seek.
- Actual why: At this time, I believe my best value in the world and for the world is right here and now.
- Uncertainty: Where will I be employed in the future? I don’t know!
It seems that we ebb and flow between what we do and how we do it – between certainty and uncertainty – between the past and future.
Perhaps, if we focus on our Actual Whys we can reach a balance between two extremes. We can find peace and harmony and put ourselves in a better position to be the change we want to see in the world.
We don’t have to put forth a Herculean effort to make a change. We no longer have to feel insignificant or misunderstood. We simply have to identify and evaluate our Whys.
Consider this: ask yourself not, “Who am I?” but “Why am I?”
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
Peter
