No Straight Line
It’s not 1 or 0. It’s not binary. It seems to be one or the other. Our lives constantly compared to people of similar age. It’s not a straight line.
‘I don’t believe people for their words. I believe them for their actions. Their personality speaks louder than their words could ever do. Their facial expressions. I’ve learnt to judge someone on their being rather than what they say. I pick who I talk to based on that and no other metric.’
Where I can, I try to spend time with those who influenced me or took an interest.
These are the people who can help me realise my future.
While I’m in complete control of the outcome of my future, you always need people around to help you along.
I remember certain patches of my experience at UT Austin.
I remember people over places.
I associate places with people rather than people with places.
My infatuation for people extends further than most could ever imagine.
I think people are these complex beings with no idea how to act and control themselves between the parameters of social acceptance.
I think that’s fine as long as you do something.
The message that I try and relay is one of possibility.
I’m doing it now, and will continue to do so, as a gateway and entry point for future opportunities.
It might breakdown a fear barrier for you. It might not.
You may compare yourself to me. You may not.
Each person has their own journey. No advice can topple your own experience.
The key deciding factor is the action of doing over the action of talking.
Our generation is somewhat lost in this sea of social media and image.
‘So many people do it, but I can’t.’
I can’t do it because I don’t have the money.
I can’t do it because I don’t have the time.
Fine.
Then don’t complain about your short-term problems.
Because clearly your long-term plan isn’t yet your concern.
The reason for this rant?
I met a great friend of mine. I actually have two friends I met at UT called Will.
This Will is doing an internship in Dallas and made the (short) journey over to Fort Worth. We grabbed dinner and chatted.
He has so much ambition. He knows his mistakes of the past. He tried to forget them (that’s a mistake). He knows that his time is limited.
He knows all of this.
He wants to take action but is blocked by thought.
Like most of us, myself included, taking the first step over the edge is the hardest.
He’s lived around the world.
He knows the differences in culture.
He is aware of himself, more than ever before, and yet someone of his experience struggles to get out and do it.
If you want to use comparisons, if he can’t do it — why would you be able to?
As much as I don’t want to use comparisons, that’s all our generation listens to.
My path is different to yours.
I became self-aware before you.
So what?
I might decline and become someone who eats his only words.
I’m scared of the sustainability of my actions — sure. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to try in the first place.
Your life is your life.
You have the control to dictate it.
Our generation plays the blame game too often.
Take some accountability for yourself.
It’s not like tomorrow isn’t going to show up. It’s going to be there.
For me, it’s simple.
Do the short-term grind and don’t expect the long-term hustle to materialise until such time where you’re mentally ready.
I’ve got high hopes for a bunch of my friends. They’re, first and foremost, great people. Kind, heartwarming and empathetic.
They also have big dreams.
I’m afraid they’ll lose it all if they don’t realise their talents.
Use comparisons to your advantage, or don’t use them all.
No straight line.