“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman (Source: The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman: A Visionary for Our Time)
I know what you’re thinking.
You’re thinking, ‘what do you mean the ONLY THING the world needs from me?! The world demands EVERYTHING from me!!!’
‘It expects me to be a teetotaling, super-ripped, enlightened, buddhist monk who lives in a mansion with 5 cars yet gives everything to the poor, can speak 6 languages, hold 3 full-time jobs with an additional 8 hobbies on the side while also caring for the elderly with the abundance of spare time one must have available.’
Breathe…
‘On top of which I must also find a cure for cancer, prevent global warming, travel the entire world, read 8 books a day, find the time to study for a 4th profession, have the perfect life partner, raise straight A children who never fart in public, cook the recommended 12 meals a day, eat only the finest imported wagyu beef, be a vegan, own the latest model of smartphone while also find a suitable replacement for plastics.’
‘Should I go on?!!!’
You could but I think we get the point.
Yes, unfortunately, this is but a modicum of what our fucked up society expects. That said, this is exactly why we need to be very clear.
What the world needs from you and what society expects are two very different things.
One you need to trust in. The other you need tell fuck off!
Society’s ridiculous expectations have flooded our brains with too much information. We’re constantly being pulled in a million different directions that’s left us paralysed in one. We can’t see through the sea of bullshit to understand what we’re supposed to do. We’re lost wondering which way we should paddle with no land in sight.
The problem isn’t what society thinks, of course. The major problem we have is making society’s expectations our own. In doing so we play a game we can’t possibly win. As a result of not being able to meet these impossible expectations – because none of us can – many of us simply give up.
What we need to do is set ourselves free. We need to cut through the noise and focus on our major purpose in life. We need to follow our calling. Then say ‘fuck it’ to the rest. I truly believe this will benefit the world far more than trying to meet society’s expectations. That’s provided you can shift through all the bullshit and follow what your calling in life actually is. As in, not society’s. Not your parent’s. Not Barrack Obama’s. Certainly not Donald Trump’s. Yours! Your own unique calling.
This is the only thing the world needs from you.
I think that you know this of course, the question is how?! And also what the fuck?
I’m not going to pretend I have all the answers but I’ll give you a few more thoughts you should probably ignore.
Fuck what society has to say about who it thinks you should be.
You and only you get to decide what success looks like. Don’t let society do that for you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your life has to look good on paper, so some top level exec can commend you on your perfect CV to only then give the job to the slightly less qualified white man because you’re black, or a woman, or a black woman…
Ahhh shiiiiiiit!
To be clear I’m not saying give up. To not be a better person. To not go after what you want despite any disadvantages you may or may not have.
No!
What I’m saying is to be clear about what success actually means to you, to be clear about what you actually want. Don’t go chasing someone else’s goals. If you want to wander the seven seas as a pirate – if that’s what makes you feel alive – then who the fuck am I, or anyone else for that matter, to judge you? At least if you fail as a pirate (highly probable) you’ll have loved life.
Seriously!
We spend far too much time thinking about how our life choices will be viewed by others. We need to wake up and follow what we know in our hearts will make us happy.
A stressful life chasing other people’s version of success is what has turned us all into robots. We’re simply going through the motions so we can reach our end goal. We say to ourselves, it’ll all be worth it after I have secured financial independence for the last 10 good years of my life. After I have broken my body, sold my soul and lost all sense of aliveness in the mean time.
Is your retirement really worth that much? To slave away so that one day you might get to live in the knowledge that money is no longer a problem for you, for the last 10 years of your life?
Let me tell you something that society doesn’t want you to work out. Money is but one problem.
When Jay-Z rapped about 99 problems I suspect they were all related to having money. Bitches weren’t one of them admittedly, because of the money, but even so. The point is be careful what you chase after in life.
The world really doesn’t need you to be rich and famous. It doesn’t need you to solve all its problems. Society has made this an obsession of yours but it’s bullshit.
The only thing the world needs from you is to come alive. That comes from chasing the dreams that you alone have defined. It comes from following your heart.
I’ve got a new rap song. It goes, I’ve got 99 problems but the dream ain’t one. (How white am I?) If you can sing that you’re winning my friend because you’ll always have 99 problems. Don’t make not following your dreams one of them.
Thanks for reading everyone! I’m acutely aware that talking about chasing your dreams can come across as somewhat rich (pun intended) as a privileged middle class white man, especially when survival is the only thing that millions can ever consider, but I also wonder if, for the same reason, I don’t have a responsibility to chase my dreams? After all, my worst case scenario is far better than most. What do you think? Is the idea of following your dreams overrated? Is it not better to follow our heart if we have the choice? Thoughts and comments very welcome below.
***
You can see find more of AP2’s nonsensical world views and poor self-help advice here at: https://pointlessoverthinking.com
Clear Air Turbulence 
Funny how? When you’re a kid, everybody and their grandmother tells you to “follow your dream!” But when you do become old enough and try — it’s all “Hey man, get a real job!” or “Wake up! There’s no future in (insert your dream here.) Or even, “Are you ever going to grow-up?”
Society itself, is not interested in your dreams. Rather it’s goals are social conformity, compliance and obedience. And assimilation into the current culture Du Jour! They want safe, obedient and well-herded “sheeple” — not independent thinkers with personal dreams! Yet, personal happiness does not come from restrictions.
So yes, I say it doesn’t matter what others expect your life to be like. In the end, who cares what they want — It’s your life to live and the way you want to live it is up to you and you alone. Including chasing your wildest dreams. — Good Stuff Aviator! Another interesting Post!
“Your dream is not a democracy, listen to your heart not the masses.” ― Bernard Kelvin Clive
LikeLiked by 4 people
That’s exactly right Wayne. ‘The worlds is your oyster’ is what I was always told. But I was also told I wasn’t any good at English and that I shouldn’t continue with art even though I loved it. Now, years later, despite taking a very different career path, I also write and draw children’s books. Funny how things work out in life. I strongly believe if we all back off and simply let our children have the freedom to decide for themselves – they will end up doing something special on their chosen path. It’s easy for us to tell children to follow their dreams but do we really mean it? Maybe as adults we tell others not to dare greatly because we don’t have the balls to dare greatly ourselves. Excellent points Wayne and thank you for the quote. I love it!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Awesome AP! That personal story about you and how you overcame, yet always believing in yourself and your dreams should be an inspiration to all of us. Why go through life wondering what if? Chase your dreams with courage, conviction and attitude and who knows what you might achieve? One thing is for sure — nothing is going to happen if you don’t at least try!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If you don’t believe you can fail then you won’t. Because you won’t believe it if you do. 😂
I should say I definitely didn’t always believe in myself. Quite the opposite in fact. But things changed significantly for me over the last few years. I do belief in myself now – far more than I ever have. Thank you for your kind words Wayne.
I am a little conscious of the fact that as a privileged middle class white man it’s all well and good to talk about following dreams when for so many more survival is all they can afford to think about. Then again I also wonder if for that very reason I have a greater responsibility to make sure I do!? My worst case scenario is likely much better than most others.
You’re right about trying. We worry so much about financial security yet we all die at the end anyway. I far more fearful of ending my days wondering what if as you say.
LikeLiked by 2 people
JZ and 99 problems, love it. Great piece as always. From the inside out, not value from the outside.Very well written sir, thank you!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I probably could ignore your opinion but I like it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes it’s worth considering. Most of the time probably not 😂. I’m glad you like it all the same. Thank you 🙏
LikeLike
AP2, This is excellent advice. I know people who have left lucrative careers they hated to do something they were truly interested in. I don’t think they have any regrets! All the best! Cheryl
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cheryl. I think it takes a lot of courage to change career paths like that – especially for people who are making lots of money. That can be a difficult thing to give up. Still I think many of us ‘know’ if the job is right for them or not. Often it’s fear that prevents people from doing what they want so they choose unhappiness over uncertainty. All the best to you too! 🙏
LikeLike
Thank you !!!! That’s very inspiring and motivational speech. Wish more people read it, it’s the right words to hear and to bear in mind
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you 🙏 I’m glad it resonated with you. If it inspires but one person to make a positive change in their life then I’ll be very happy
LikeLike
Be your own Greatness, everything else is boring. Thanks for reminding this. Best wishes for you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed – individuality is key – be the person that only you can. Imitation is terrible game to play. Thank you and best wishes back to you. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dad told me I was to be a pro baseball player
My mom reinforced that with God made you to play baseball
After my pro career, I became no one since my life was only baseball and it was over
Funny my trauma from childhood popped up mid 60’s
Healing lead me to I guess my calling
I am a mentor for others suffering from Ptsd
The opposite of my dad
Being in the moment, right now is a place where trauma and expectations die
LikeLiked by 3 people
I believe for many of us it’s through our suffering that we find our calling. I’m sorry to hear about your struggles but happy that it lead you to where you’re meant to be. Thanks for stopping by 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do not choose our challenges
We choose our response
I choose to place my attention on things I can influence the rest are only concerns
LikeLiked by 2 people
My dream was to become a professional skateboarder. That dream died when I hit 31. Now I’m 38, and I’ve found my calling… helping others find joy and reach their full potential through journaling. Journaling is why I am successful and happy. Thanks for your post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dreams change and and evolves as we age/our circumstances change. I think, also, we can have many different dreams. Best not to get hung up on just one!
Helping people through journaling sounds like a very interesting vocation. I started journaling about 18 months ago! I love it. I must pick your brains. How do you journal? Dear diary format or do you ask yourself a series of questions etc?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I wish you well 🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey, check out my blog, I put my free book called “Create Values Lists” where I talk about different ways to self-discovery… which I consider to be “journaling”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will pop over and check it out it. Thank you 🙏
LikeLike
I need to find more dreams. I agree that you can have multiple dreams… I just find that for some reason, I can only focus on one major dream at a time. Blogging seems to be pretty awesome at the moment, and I hope far into the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can only do so much. Concentrating on one thing is good. It shows you know what you want. I also love blogging. 😊
LikeLike
I’ve loved this quote for years. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you – I love it too! – Our aliveness! We really don’t talk about that feeling enough. What makes you come alive. If we all spent our time doing those things I believe everyone would be better off.
LikeLike
Interesting post. As someone who grew up in an Asian environment, I have to say that this point is harder to make here, as many of us here are brought up with a ‘bring honour to the family, you are a part of a whole’ mentality. It’s super hard to break out of some norms of society, especially things like arranged marriage and being another source of income for the family.
I myself am fortunate that—being mixed—I’ve been given the opportunity to do as I like with my life, which is why I’m pursuing writing for a living. Thanks for this thought-provoking post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey Stuart – thanks for popping by. I live in Hong Kong and have done most of my live so I understand the culture well. My wife is from here as well and my children are mixed as a result. You’re right it’s a super hard thing to break from. I strongly believe in freedom – I believe that our intuition kinda knows what is right for us well before the rational mind does. You’ve got to trust your gut of course which is difficult. But when individuals are given that freedom – when individuals buck the trends set upon them by culture or family commitments – I believe this usually benefits everyone. And what you end up with is a unique individual instead of someone who is simply going through the motions because he or she is afraid of taking those risk. It is easier for me to say that as a privileged middle class white man of course. Thanks for your comments and keep doing what you are. You’re a really good writer. Wishing you well, 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, AP2, another great article! Thank you so much for sharing your insights. Note: Of course, before I wrote those words I checked with my “Society Specialist”–“SS,” for short, and he said it was okay. :-). I may write more comments if society allows. Have a great one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha thanks Art. I appreciate all your support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is great. Thought provoking and well written. The world can demand all it likes but i guess ya give what you can right?
LikeLiked by 2 people
The world wants everything from us. Gotta cut out the noise and give it what we want – otherwise it’s too much. Thank you. Wishing you well 🙏
LikeLike
No doubt about it. Well said. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🤘🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person
The guinea pigs set a good example. Give them a stick of celery and all is well with the world. Give them two cookie treats instead of just one, then that’s riches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha awesome analogy. Thanks Ashley 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very good post, AP! I was having a conversation with a colleague yesterday who was lamenting not being in a certain spot in their career compared to others their age and my response was that the only benchmark you really have is yourself and you should set the standard. And I agree. One of the great things about getting older is hopefully realizing that you set the standard and metric for what really fulfills and makes you happy and fulfilled. Otherwise, you’re just chasing things that will really not fulfill you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ab. I agree. The only person worth comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Wishing you well 🙏
LikeLike
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a difference between saying “I can and I cannot”. It will determine a persons outcome. Goals and dreams are important to supersede what societies expectations are. Accomplishing one thing at a time and never stopping will get a person there. The most important thing is having fun and creating life experiences along the way. Love the motivation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed – gotta love what you do because the journey is more important than the goal. Thats the point of chasing your dreams – it’s not about achieving the dream – it’s about loving chasing it. It’s about the here and now. But yes we should believe that we can as well. Thank you wolf. Always appreciate your insights. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh great post and I love the opening quote ❤️ It’s your life so why wouldn’t you do what you love if that’s possible for you 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kellie. I enjoyed writing that one. Wishing you well 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
First line really touched me.. Cause i also want to be a pilot. But facing problems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear your facing problems. It was a post meant to inspire but of course I realise for many reality doesn’t allow them to pursue their passions. I hope matters resolve themselves for you. 🙏
LikeLike
Can i ask you something?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course. If you want to message me personally you can email me at anxiouspilot2@gmail.com
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! I clicked on the The ultimate failure: success without fulfilment! I work little by little almost every day towards my dreams, while working to pay those bills, bills, bills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the way to do it I believe. Keep one foot firmly in reality while working toward a better tomorrow. Always believe you can. Thank you Deanna – I’ll stop by your blog soon. 🙏
LikeLike
Hey AP2… you have a book? I love your post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have a written a children’s book but not any adult ones. I’m in the process of doing so now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Time Traveler on the road of Life and commented:
Following your dreams is good, as long as you don’t leave important people behind on that quest. My dream is to write great stories that people like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a very good point. Chasing your dreams doesn’t mean one should be reckless or ruthless. Mind and heart should work together. Thank you so much for the reblog. Writing stories is a wonderful dream to have. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have fulfilled some of my dream, now I just have to dream people are reading them. I have 14 books on Amazon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
14! That’s incredible.
LikeLike
Good reminders told in a fun and engaging way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I was beginning to get a handle on pandemic life (not quite post) when the doctor phoned me to say my cholesterol levels are dangerously high… Bloody genetics! Money can’t buy you good health but fortunately statins are inexpensive.
Loved the post, very prescient.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you can’t buy back your health! It’s the most important thing. Pandemic life has done a number on me too. Thank you Kerry. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the post as always, great stuff!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🙂
LikeLike
I believe that when you speak a good com\nd of the English language, you don’t need to use swear words, for that reason your writing is of no interest to me.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree no one needs to use swear words. I use them because I enjoy it. I mean no offence – merely to accentuate a point. I believe few others words can do that as well simply because swearing is considered taboo. Of course I appreciate the language isn’t to everyones liking and that’s fine. But I believe in honest self expression and this is me. Take it or leave it – I take no offence either way. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I wish you well Joanna 🙏
LikeLike
M laptop failed me – the word is – command.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person