This essay is a humbling reminder to my future self that the problem is me. Individualism, to a fault, is my exaggerated life mentality. This, of course, is over-emphasized in this essay and I do recognize the reality – inequality, unfairness, and victim of circumstance. Though I am cognizant of those issues, I believe internalization is the only remedy for reality.
Bluntly put, the problem is me.
Want to get healthy?
The problem is not that the gym is far away. The problem is not that I do not have the right clothes or shoes. The problem is not that I do not know the right form or have the right types of foods to eat. The problem is me.
Want to become a better student?
The problem is not a lack of resources or lack of internet connection. The problem is not the availability of teachers and tutors. The problem is not that the material is way too hard to understand. The problem is me.
Want to build a successful company?
The problem is not the competition. It is not the stock market or macroeconomic trends. The problem is not that Facebook and Amazon are threatening. The problem is not the lack of funding or press or talent or the location of where I live. The problem is me.
Want to get a job?
The problem is not the lack of jobs. Or resources. Or guidance. The problem is not the lack of opportunity or types of careers. The problem is me.
Want to meet other people?
The problem is not my looks. The problem is not a lack of events to go to or people out there in the world. The problem is not that there is no one out there who will talk to me. The problem is me.
Want to make money?
The problem is not a lack of ways to make money. It is not that it is impossible to generate money and learn valuable skills. The problem is me.
This essay is redundant, sure. To me, it drives a bold point home that so many shy away from. We can blame others out entire lives. We can blame the economy, our genes, our environments…and most of those excuses are probably *at least somewhat* valid.
But what is the point?
I am not saying the excuses are wrong. Indeed, they are truthful!
But…what is the point?!?
Why complain about things out of our control? Why not pretend that everything is in control?
We are dealt cards…for better or worse we must learn to play with them to the best of our abilities. We can make up reasons to fold. We can make up excuses for why we fail at x and are unable to do y.
My bet?
Most of those excuses never come to fruition. Some future planning, surely good? But most of it is a waste of time…
Most fears never materialize. Ignorant of me to say? Probably.
But the fear of leaving the couch, entering the real world is surely tangible and widespread. The fear of starting something and failing. The fear of talking to a new person. Or publishing a blog post.
If I fail…what is the worst case?
If I succeed…what then do I worry about?
Let’s succeed first. And if things go badly…sure the problem is my own…and then I can fix it.
Also published on Medium.