Trends are good because they inform us of new and improved way of doing things. If we harness the power of trends to fulfill our life goals, it is great. However, if we follow trends just for the sake of trends we will end up frustrated. Unfortunately, that is exactly the case with many people; they are unable to recognize the pitfall of trends. They work hard and spend a better part of their resources on catching up with trends. The media and advertisers know about this weakness and all they need to trigger us into chasing them is a name or picture of a celebrity behind the subject matter and hundreds of us will run after it. It's like chasing the winds, you could say. It always leaves us with a frustrating emptiness.
May I suggest a way to live a more fulfilling life? Give yourself to something bigger than you! Become purpose-driven rather than trends-driven!
Yes, if you want to make your life count you must live a purpose driven life. You cannot afford to run off in every direction every time a new fashion or lifestyle pops up. Choose to have a compelling mission in life; so compelling it cannot stand still while you attend to petty things. Your life is important to God and humanity. God's purpose for your life is far greater than you or your personal desires. When you discover and embrace that purpose you will realize that God wants to bless you and bless others through you. The only way to achieve this goal is to give yourself to something that is bigger than you!
Did you know that one of the reasons people achieve nothing meaningful in life is because they do not have a great work in hand? They respond to every summon and run off in every direction because they do not have something big enough to hold them back from the forceful winds of changing circumstances! I love to quote Stephen Covey: You can only say no and smile if you have a bigger yes burning inside. He is right. It is very difficult to say no to trends or other distractions unless you have a focus. And it takes a great work in hand to maintain a great focus in life.
Have you defined things that matter most in your life? What is the big 'yes' burning in your heart? Is your "yes" big enough to say "no" to all your distractions?
It is easy to go off track or give up in the face of trends or challenges if you have not given yourself to something bigger than yourself! It is this understanding that has kept me going during the smooth and rough points in my life journey. I remind myself that many people are connected to me and their joy and fulfilment depend on what I do with my life. For this reason, I stay on track and give my time and skills to add value to people! Why not? People are just too important to God and humanity to give up on! I learned from a wise man that "things that matter most must not suffer for things that matter least". But you might never know the difference unless you know what your values are.
Give yourself to something bigger than you!
Please leave a comment. Thank you!
You can also connect with me on twitter for regular updates!
http://twitter.com/PeterOkaka
