The concept of the “big break” pervades our society. It is what the lottery system thrives on – just one inexpensive ticket and you will receive Nirvana (1) forever. It doesn’t happen quite this way, does it? The post-Millennial generation, more than ever, however, is addicted to the “big break theory,” to use my terminology. We see it in the instantaneous superstars, the successful bloggers, and the, so-called, influencers. They seem to have achieved success effortlessly. This is a generation that has seen this illusion thrust upon it, but it can’t be so. (2) It is a false and misleading perception.
I recently watched a video with Bill Gates (b. 1955) and his father. (3) He was commenting on the 10,000-hour rule (4) of Malcolm Gladwell (b. 1963). Mr. Gates stated that Malcolm was correct, but, in reality, there are only a small number of people who “stay in the game” long enough to realize its benefits. The thesis being that if you are willing to put in an effort, sustain yourself, have a modicum of luck and be a hopeful and optimistic individual, you can “create” your own lucky break.
I labor on the word “create” because, once again, you are in charge of your reality. Life is analogous to an enormous sea, and you are a mere crew member on a ship christened “My Life Adventure.” The sea is calm and then suddenly, an enormous storm descends. You are pulled along by the winds of life. You must take the helm and steer the ship to safer waters or to return home. This in and of itself is not an easy task. The ship is tossed and turned in one direction and then the other. (5) You find yourself in cross-currents, going backward, heeling over and even being becalmed. This leaves you feeling small and directionless.
It is here that real strength is brought forward. You must have a “talk with yourself,” the contents being that “this too shall pass.” There will be another day and it can get better, or conversely, it could get worse. Regardless: there will be a change in the situation. The lives of all great men and women are filled with tales of struggle and how they overcame adversity. This is in large part why we consider them great people. You must place yourself among them. You too are a great man or a great woman. You too have a task to complete on this Earth. The individual must simply get diligent to discover what it is and nurture it. It is there for all of us. It is easy to apologize to ourselves and disappear into an aimless job and a meaningless life. This is not what the universe has decided for us, but it is up to you and you alone to unlock the door to your future.
The great scholar, psychiatrist and founder of logotherapy, (6) Dr. Viktor Frankl (1905-1997), leaves us with a thought: Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it
A closing thought: We are too easily dissuaded from our task in life. We compromise and settle for “good enough.” This is sadly true. Look in the eyes of your fellow man. Do you see great amounts of joy there? Do you see the Dalai Lama reflected in the average individual? I think the answer is self-evident. What is the secret to happiness, then? That is one of the simplest and, yet most complex answers in the corpus of human understanding. It is easy to state, but nearly impossible to comprehend, especially when you are young: “All answers lie within, within you, that is.” There are no external truths. You have to simply be willing to put in the time to uncover who you are and what is your mission in life. It is an exciting task if you are willing to take up the challenge.
To sum up: This week we spoke about the illusory concept of the big break. We discussed that everyone can have this luck through effort and hard work.
A philosophical question: Why when you visit your dentist does the tooth stop hurting just before you enter the office?
Just for fun – Mother Tuckers Yellow Duck
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please ponder how to create your big break.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: Beauty and simplicity are seen in the smallest action or in the tiniest creature.
Footnotes:
2) How the youngest generation is redefining work
3) Bill Gates on Expertise: 10,000 Hours and a Lifetime of Fanaticism
5) high wind sailing knockdown extreme squall intense heeling sailboat wet wild