“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Harold Whitman

Entrepreneurs are often told to think about what the world needs and then look for ways to solve these problems.

Teenagers are often told to pursue careers aligned with their skills, those subjects that they are good at.

Most of us seek occupations with the aim of making some money for the purpose of being able to purchase stuff we think will make us come alive. Things that will make our lives somehow better.

And I wonder! Is this an incorrect approach to life? Are we just forcing ourselves into a life of confinement rather than a life of contribution?

For a long time, I tried with all effort to meet external needs in a selfish pursuit of trying to meet my own needs yet never knew truly what my needs were. In many ways, I still do this.

I  realise now that this isn’t conducive to my personal progress. Nor is it conducive to any collective progress. I did notice that on rare occasions, I felt alive when I did things that I loved.

I did notice that on rare occasions, I felt alive when I did things that I loved. I began to seek ways to do more of what I love. I thought if it makes me feel good, both today and tomorrow, then it must be good. Worthy of pursuit.

I sought through experience more opportunities to find new passions. And as I incorporated them into my life I have created a lifestyle in which I feel more alive than ever before. I feel more ready than ever before to serve the world’s needs.

We are told on a flight to secure our oxygen mask first before we attend to others. This is a sound metaphor for life and perfect for what I am reflecting on here.

Survival is the purpose. It is life’s agenda. But when we do not take care of ourselves we are less able to take care of others. We are less able to contribute in a meaningful way.

And contribution is a fundamental life principle. It has the potential to take us all closer to a life of greater freedom, fulfillment, and happiness.

If we can meet the fundamental foundations of who we are. To seek to do more of what we love. If we can nourish our ‘Why.’ We will be more able to express ourselves for who we are. We will be more able to serve in meaningful ways. That will move us beyond the selfish pursuit of one’s own agenda to satisfying that of the collective. And we will undoubtedly find ourselves more satisfied than ever before.

All the world desires are for each of us to be as we wish to be.

This thought has been inspired by a meditation by Mark Nepo taken from his work The Book of Awakening.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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