The media, especially social media, will lead you to believe that the world is worse than it has ever been.
People are suffering more than ever. Our lives are more dangerous that ever. The economy is going into the tank, businesses are laying off workers, the “system” is against you, politicians can’t be trusted (oops…sorry, that one’s true). The world is more unfair than ever.
Look at the headlines. Read most any news. We’re all doomed they say and we aren’t smart enough to survive. Our food is poisoning us, climate change has doomed our survival, pollution is destroying our planet, we have an energy crisis, crime is out of control, our schools are terrible, our kids are at risk, trouble lurks around every corner – succuss is not achievable.
Wow, what a doomsday picture we have created! How about the fact that none of this is true; Life is better and easier than at any time in history. Poor people live better today than wealthy people did sixty years ago. Crime is at an all-time low. The internet and the quickly advancing AI revolution will create more opportunities for more people than anytime before. Workplaces are safer and cleaner. Workers have more options and mobility than at any time in history.
So what gives?
Fear sells, in any form. People love negativity – doomsday articles, social media posts – people relish and find comfort in drama and pain. This has created a huge portion of the population who feel like victims. It isn’t their fault they aren’t happy, healthy, or successful [they tell themselves]. Its hard out there! The world is a bad place. We have terrible disadvantages, and there is so much wrong with the world. It’s all holding us back. Our careers are an uphill battle, and entrepreneurship is impossible.
YOU ARE WRONG. You are not a victim. Your situation right now is a direct result of your decisions and your actions, both past and present. It isn’t anyone else’s fault. Your life today reflects the decisions and actions you have taken.
Successful people understand this and take ownership in every situation. If you develop and build resilience, you have a significant competitive advantage over most people. If you are willing to do hard things, your tolerance for discomfort will become your superpower. If you go against the current trend and try something new that might lead to a different result from most people, you learn to adapt to difficult conditions without constantly looking for someone or something to blame.
You, and only you, are responsible for your life, your business, and your future. The buck stops with you.
Not a politician. Not your parents. Not the economy. Not the world around you. You, just you. If you can accept that fact, and embrace it, no person or situation can shake you.
“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.”
-Robert Anthony
“Victimhood is an excuse to not try. And if you don’t try, you can’t win.”
-Tom Bilyeu
