Overcoming the Fear of Not "Making Something" of Yourself
Many people, from children to adults, grapple with the anxiety of achieving worldly success and defining their purpose. They set timelines and benchmarks, fearing they'll never amount to anything if they fail to meet them. This constant worry can be detrimental to both happiness and logical thinking. This article aims to dismantle that fear.
The Difference Between Inward and Outward Works
The key to overcoming this fear lies in recognizing the stark contrast between our inner and outer endeavors. Internally, thoughts and feelings arise effortlessly and instantly. Conversely, external achievements often require significant effort, resources, and are subject to chance and external factors.
Illustrating the Difference
Consider the simple act of writing a heartfelt note to a friend. The inward feelings of affection and the thoughts you want to express are immediate and free. However, the outward act of acquiring materials, writing the note, correcting mistakes, addressing the envelope, buying a stamp, and mailing it involves numerous steps and dependencies beyond your control. The weather, the postal service's efficiency, and even your friend's availability all play a role.
The internal experience of thinking about your friend is instantaneous. Getting the message to them physically is a whole different ball game with a multitude of hurdles.
Applying This to Life's Big Questions
Similarly, questions about the meaning of life and one's purpose are often approached as external problems to be solved. We attempt to find answers in the outside world, chasing dreams and ambitions based on limited understanding, rather than looking inward. Because external achievements are so dependant on luck, outside influence and means, we are doomed to fear failure as we embark on such missions.
The Importance of Looking Inward
Finding meaning and purpose is an internal journey that can be achieved effortlessly. We are constantly pulled in different directions by things we cannot control when we try to find ourselves externally. Every major philosophical and religious tradition emphasizes self-knowledge as the path to understanding the universe. The ancient Greeks said, "Know thyself." The Bhagavad Gita echoes this sentiment: "Know that by the knowing of which all things are known."
The Nature of Reality
Everything in the external world is merely an image or representation of a deeper, underlying idea. A tree, a dog, or anything tangible is just a physical manifestation of a pre-existing concept. Even if all physical instances cease to exist, the underlying idea remains, and can potentially manifest again under the right conditions. We abandon this inner knowledge when we become slaves to external achievements and random chance.
Achieving True Change Through Internal Understanding
Those who have genuinely changed the world for the better are those who have found meaning within themselves. Their external actions are simply reflections of their internal understanding and convictions. They prioritize their internal lives and live according to their deepest beliefs.
Examples of Internal Strength
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Socrates: He willingly faced death rather than compromising his principles and betraying his belief in justice. His death served as undeniable proof of his unwavering commitment to truth and reason.
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Jesus: He embraced a path that led to the cross because of his desire to share his revelations about the kingdom of heaven and the true nature of love.
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Viktor Frankl: As a Holocaust survivor, Frankl recognized that external losses could not diminish the true self, which resides within. He observed that even in the most horrific conditions, people could maintain their inner strength and kindness by focusing on higher ideals.
Embracing the Internal Journey
We don't need to endure extreme hardship to discover meaning within ourselves. The greatest achievements are internal. While the journey can be challenging and require letting go of external attachments, it is ultimately liberating.
Practical Steps: Reading and Writing
If you are unsure of what your purpose or meaning in life is, begin the work of life. One effective way to start this internal journey is through reading and writing. Engage with texts that explore profound questions and then journal about your thoughts and reflections.
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Read: Immerse yourself in meaningful content.
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Write: Explore your thoughts and develop your ideas through journaling.
By ceasing many of our outward so-called activities and engaging in introspection, we can truly begin to know that by the knowing of which all things are known.