I’m not a cheesy person nor am I overly optimistic. I also don’t believe in unicorns. I’m actually pretty Stoic.
For example I don’t believe you can be anything you want as long as you try really hard. I also believe that nothing good in life comes easy.
And that bad shit happens in life. Not everyone is going to treat you like royalty — you just have to deal with it (thick skin).
But I do have this one optimistic idea.
I believe that every single person on this planet has a skill or talent that can provide value to other people.
I’m not just saying that so you can feel better about yourself. I’m all about the truth. And I think it’s a truth that every person has something to give to the world.
- Tough people.
- Soft people.
- Cool people.
- Idiots.
You name it.
Do you know why I say that? Just look around you. Look at all the products you use, the car you drive, the music you listen to, the movies you watch.
The people who created those things are not gods. They are humans. Built from flesh and bones. So if they can do it, so can you.
It doesn’t mean you can be the next biggest pop star if you have a crappy voice (like I do), but why can’t you be something else you’re good at? Know yourself and know what you’re good at.
One of the most inspirational things that I’ve seen is this clip from Steve Jobs: Secrets Of Life. Jobs says:
“When you grow up you tend to get told the world is the way it is. And ‘your life’ is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family, have fun, save a little money.
That’s a very limited life.
Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.
Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.”
You see? Why can’t you create something? The only question you have to answer is this: What’s your ‘thing’?
- What experience do you have?
- What skill do you have?
- What talent do you have?
How do you provide value to others? There are only 2 ways.
- You do or create something that’s useful to others.
- You entertain people.
Next up: How can you package it and offer it to the world? Just a few ideas.
- A song?
- A funny video?
- An article?
- A comfortable chair?
- A beauty product?
- A new tool?
- A training session?
You don’t need more motivation. You need a start. Just a tiny step towards creating or doing something you’re good at.
The first scene of your video. The first paragraph of your book. The first draft design of your product.
It’s about you helping yourself by helping others. It’s about adding value.
So say it with me: If others can do it, why can’t I?
Your time is now.
