What would your message to the world be?
If you had the opportunity to gather the attention of everyone on Earth for 1 minute, what message would you want to share to empower them for their future?
Pause. Give it a shot. This isn’t a trick question, but one that stimulates reflection and contemplation of your life’s past experiences, encompassing both the good and bad. The key lies in the ability to distill them all into a message that is simple and actionable.
After much contemplation, the message that I wish to share with everyone would be to experience life with the perspective and traits of a brave adventurer. I realised that through the process of embodying and implementing the traits of an adventurer, I was able to navigate and overcome my challenges with resilience and optimism. And in the process, I believe that I have cultivated a healthy self esteem and have experienced my recent years more purposefully. No wonder many of our popular and memorable stories and movies have a similar storyline, often focusing on how the main character overcomes his or her adversities against all odds, while striving and actualising their vision of a better future.
Embrace Ambiguity
The start of a new journey is always filled with uncertainty, fear and doubt as we don’t know what challenges may lie ahead. Similar to today’s competitive and dynamic landscape, our environment is always changing. Choosing to stay within a familiar and safe space will lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. Instead, embrace ambiguity, see the potential and positives in the challenges we will encounter when stepping outside of our comfort zone. Just like how the main character often start their journey, it is often filled with positivity and enthusiasm despite the unknown that awaits. Embracing uncertainty while venturing onward will lead to the discovery of new possibilities and meaningful experiences that are unique to each of us, spurring our personal development.
Continuous Learning
In the midst of change and challenges, we will come to realise that at times, the skillsets and perspectives we have are limited and lacking. This gives us the opportunity to identify the gaps and take the necessary actions to learn and up-skill ourselves. The key here is to focus on making gradual and consistent progress, enabling us to stay adaptable and flexible to the ebb and flows of the macro environment. Similar to the protagonists of our favourite stories, their harsh journey encompasses lengthy periods of grit and discipline as they develop new strengths to overcome their own adversities.
Help Generously
Unfortunately, there is a limit to how much an individual can achieve on their own. We each have our unique set of strengths and weakness. It is unrealistic for any of us to be omniscient. Since our ancestors’ time during the hunter gathering era, individuals rely on one another and cooperated, creating synergistic and positive outcomes. During your life’s journey, you might be the hero that offer your strength and services to others in need. When such times come, commit wholeheartedly to help others. See the potential in them and support them in their journey with authenticity and patience. For there will come a time when you will need the help of others to overcome your trials. If you recall your favourite stories, the protagonist is never alone. In some form or another, the protagonist will receive support from the people he or she had previously helped along the way. Together, they clear the obstacle in their way with teamwork and interdependence.
Concluding
Strive to be a brave adventurer who handles uncertainty well, exudes self responsibility and prioritises the empowerment of others. I believe that the embodiment of these traits will go a long way, as we face life’s challenges head on.
Now it is your turn. What will your 1 minute message be?