Don't Think What Is - Think What You Want to Be

"It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves." Carl Jung

I find this to be the biggest difference between people who are successful doing what they love, and those that are stuck in the 9 to 5 rut, or otherwise plugging away on a career and a life that they are not truly passionate about. People who focus their energy on what is, never bother to consider what might possibly be. They focus their attention on a false sense of reality. Because 'really', 'reality' doesn't exist. I know what you're thinking, your wondering 'what's he talking about'. Bear with me for a second, or a blog post. Sure, we all have to pay bills, support our families, provide for loved ones, and go through certain situations that are inevitable. But to think that there is a general reality that we all just happen to be a part of, that we didn't deliberately choose, does not hold water.

As far as I know, my reality is my choice. I choose to be where I am now, even if it's not quite where I want to be (I'm working on it). In my life, I have chosen not to focus on what is (actually I question the whole concept entirely). I have spent my life wondering what I think I can be. And that has helped me see the incredible potential in all the people around me, and that has made all the difference.

The problem with the IS way of thinking is that it assumes the World is a certain (one) way. As a matter of fact, it assumes everything. It leads to a life based on assumption, not belief, or passion. I'll take it even further. It completely defies the very notion they assume exists: Reality. Once you begin to assume things are a certain way, you are relying entirely on your perception of them, which contradicts the formula (more on that later). Needless to say, people who subscribe to the 'the World is thus' method believe there is a formula to life and how they live it. And it looks something like this. The 'thus is the world' method

We are born
We are conditioned through years of education
We are conditioned even further in college
We must work to cover our expenses.
We retire.
We die.

Of course throughout it all there are pockets of joy and moments of happiness. People graduate. Then they marry. They have children. Their children graduate. They go on vacation once a year. Birthdays, weddings, Barmitzvahs. Etc. You get the point. But generally, when you live according to this mindset, those moments tend to be fewer and farther between as you grew older. And you think well 'that's just the way things are'. I have heard that phrased uttered time and time and time again. And I always felt it was complete hogwash.

Life is perception. And there is no formula. One man's treasure is another man's garbage. How can things be (the IS again) a certain way for all of us, when each and every one of us is different? We are all passionate about different things, and we each live by different rules. That proves something. It proves that there are no rules. We define our own rules, each and every one of us defines the way we CHOOSE to live. Once you realize this, you can begin to focus on a new way of thinking, and thus a new way of living. And here it is: The 'thus can we make the world' method

Don't think what is, think what you want to be. Don't live according to how others want you to, or think you should. Live your life based on what you love, and focus on how you perceive the world. Establish your own rules, and go after the things you perceive to be in your interest. Find your passion, and if you need some help, read this.

The world needs you to do what you love. The world needs your talents. Here's why. By doing that, you will be serving the interests of those around you, and thus inherently impact the world in a positive way. By focusing on what you want, and achieving it, you inspire others to discover what they want, and show them that they can reach their goals as well. The formula for this kind of life is simple: There is no formula. There is no list. Everyday is different. But one thing is certain. The line between work and play, between high and low, will be blurred forever, and you might even reach the point, where you can't even tell the difference.

So instead of being consumed by what 'is', you might want to ask yourself what would you like to be. Then, and only then, will you be in a position to change the way things 'are'.

About this Author

Gianpaolo Pietri is an architect and a writer. Based in Miami, Florida he has helped design some of the towers that have shaped the new Miami skyline. He has also designed buildings in Dubai, Brasil, and Las Vegas. In addition to his design work, he writes bi-weekly articles on the Optimalists (http://theoptimalists.net) a lifestyle blog dedicated to facilitating self improvement and personal development by tapping into our creativity and discovering the inspiration within us. His articles approach the subject of creativity from a singular perspective based on history, philosophy, and his own experiences doing what he loves.

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