avatarEvan Wolfson

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps towards achieving one's dreams rather than passively waiting for opportunities to arise.

Abstract

The article "Are You Running Towards Your Dreams?" presents a compelling case for an active approach to life, contrasting it with a passive stance. It suggests that individuals should not merely wish for change but actively work towards it, as the universe favors those who take initiative. The author cites Confucius, advocating for worthiness and preparedness over mere recognition. The piece underscores the significance of an action bias, which generates opportunities, creates luck, and leads to change. It also touches on the psychological aspect of self-framing, either as powerless or as the decisive factor in one's life. The article concludes with the advice to take maximum responsibility and be accountable, referencing Jocko Willink's concept of "Extreme Ownership" and Nassim Taleb's "Skin in the Game" for further reading.

Opinions

  • The author believes in a clear dichotomy between those who actively create opportunities (creators and action-takers) and those who passively wait for them (consumers and victims).
  • It is posited that action is the key to success and the creation of one's own luck, as opposed to inaction or wishful thinking.
  • The article suggests that taking on more responsibility leads to greater control over one's life, despite the associated challenges and risks.
  • The author endorses the idea that individuals should strive to be worthy of recognition rather than simply seeking to be known.
  • Responsibility is presented as a double-edged sword, with greater risks and accountability balanced by greater rewards.
  • The piece encourages readers to shift their perspective and take responsibility for their circumstances, advocating for a mindset of empowerment and self-efficacy.

Are You Running Towards Your Dreams?

Or are you sitting back hoping that they’ll land in your lap?

Lake Tahoe. Photo by Evan Wolfson

“Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think about how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.”

— Confucius

There are two approaches to life. It’s a dichotomy of character. I’m talking active versus passive. Creators and consumers. Action-takers and victims.

The delineation is clear. It’s the wishers versus the workers.

That’s it.

The universe favors those who take action. If you have an action bias, you’re setting yourself up for success. Because action generates opportunity. Action is how you create your own luck. Action leads to change.

“I wish that things could be different.”

Versus

“Things can be different and I will make sure of it.”

Photo by trashhand on Pexels.com

Just changing a few words changes everything.

You can frame yourself as being powerless in the situation.

Or you can frame yourself as being the deciding factor.

It all comes down to perspective and responsibility.

Acting helpless is easy. Taking on additional responsibility is hard.

The more responsibility that you’re willing to take, the more control you’ll have over your life.

It’s a double-edged sword. More responsibility means more problems. You take on greater risk and accountability in exchange for greater rewards.

But it’s worth it.

To sum this piece up in a couple of ideas:

Take maximum responsibility x Be accountable

For more on these concepts, check out Jocko Willink’s Extreme Ownership (Take maximum responsibility). And Skin in the game by Nassim Taleb (Be accountable).

That’s it for this one! If you enjoyed this piece, another piece called “Perspective the Ultimate Cheat Code” that you might like.

What is something that you plan on working towards? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Originally published at https://mindpowergrow.com on August 11, 2020.

Self Improvement
Change
Perspective
Accountability
Goals
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