Tuesday, April 1, 2008

What makes you tick?







Author: Victoria Maravi



Country: Peru



“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain.





I must admit that I do not follow our friend Mark’s advice as often as I would like to. You probably don’t, either. In your short life, how many times have you found yourself alone, unwilling to grab a book, do the dishes or your homework, and alternatively zapped TV channels all day? Maybe you were exhausted and needed some rest, but sometimes it is pure laziness.





If you are not suffering from any psychological disorders (just checking), then you are probably afraid of commitment. This means that there is some degree of anxiety to commit to something, such as your school subjects, work schedule or desire to be fit.





This is not uncommon, it is a problem that is affecting the whole generation we belong to. Zooming out from our individual problems, when was the last time that the world was shaken by an amazing scientific discovery? After the icons of the Second World War and peace leaders such as Gandhi and MLK passed away, when have we seen someone that was actually able to change the world with such strength? It is as if the world has entered a lethargic stage.





Oh problemo. Which could be the solution to this? In my perspective, and I do not know if you will agree, it is quite simple: finding motivation. Going for the impossible instead of staying indoors all day while complaining about life’s miseries. It is easier and safer, I even do it from time to time, but it will not get the world moving.





You could sit for a few minutes to consider your life purpose, and then plan small achievable goals that lead you there. It should be flexible, of course –at our age, not many things remain the same, even our life purpose. It could be crazy, too (except, well, trying to fly with a cape). Going from straight C’s to A’s? You can do it. Working for four hours instead of eight? It is possible. Saving children from AIDS? It can be done, it just takes time.





Gather all the information you think is necessary, ignore derogatory comments from others and just do it! It may take years, but it is possible. We need more leaders that will ‘shake things up’ in this world, do not be afraid to take charge!



2 comments:

Ashok said...

The article is nothing short of superb. Committment and responsibility, how important in life indeed. The topic was excellently chosen senorita!

sucks or not, it's mine said...

VICTORIA VICTORIA!!! this is just amazing! you've said it all! believing in yourself and finding motivation is soooo important and one doesn't know how important they are until they start giving themselves some credit and then they'll see the results. ;)