Embracing Forward Thinking: Overcoming Life's Obstacles and Escaping Society's Norms
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose is essential for millennials and Gen Z. Are you a forward thinker, someone who envisions their desired outcome and works diligently towards it? Or do you find yourself slipping into reverse thinking, dwelling on negativity and problems when trying to plan or overcome life obstacles? In this article, we will explore the importance of forward thinking, its relevance in escaping society's norms, and provide practical solutions to help you develop this invaluable mindset.
Forward Thinking vs. Reverse Thinking
Forward thinkers possess a proactive mindset, always seeking to envision the outcome they desire and creating a strategic plan to achieve it. They embrace challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth. On the other hand, reverse thinkers tend to focus on everything negative, magnifying-zooming in on problems and obstacles, which can lead to zero motivation and helplessness.
For millennials and Gen Z, forward thinking is vital in a world that is constantly evolving. By focusing on the end goal and maintaining a growth-oriented perspective, you can escape the grip of society's norms that might otherwise hold you back.
Escaping Society's Norms
As the world becomes more interconnected and diverse, post covid-19 has limited traditional solutions which are being challenged and redefined with or without you. The pressure to conform to outdated expectations can be overwhelming, causing anxiety and self-doubt. However, forward thinking enables you to break free from these norms and carve your own path. Have you ever heard of “the death ant circle”, here’s a quick video of ant’s stuck in a circle around the top of a flower plot and they are literally stuck! Goin round and round until death. That used to be me and a lot of us for that matter. We can't rely on just one resource or solution that used to work back when we were in grade school. Here are a few ways I broke free from the death ant circle.
To escape society's norms, begin by:
a) Identifying Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you and align your actions with those values. Be brave enough to embrace your individuality, authenticity, and pursue your passions, regardless of what people might think or say. This is your life, your reality, your first step in becoming self aware.
b) Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences: Seek out a supportive community that encourages personal growth and embraces diversity. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can empower you to stay on track and overcome obstacles. I say this often, some of your biggest supporters will never be your friends and family, why? Same reason you have different friend groups. We're all different and its ok. Some of your biggest supporters will be complete strangers, because you guys are actually like-minded. Think about it, car clubs, book clubs, school clubs, etc..you're with strangers who become a positive influence and supportive in those categories. Start doing things that bring natural happiness. Maybe it's goin for a hike? Heading out to the beach, gym, bowling alley, pool hall, local farmers markets. The more you help yourself, help will surround you with the exact people.
c) Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Forward thinkers understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of viewing setbacks as roadblocks, see them as valuable lessons that bring you closer to success. There's a difference between failing and failure; failure means you gave up 100%, whereas, failing means you're in the process. I've failed countless times in school, in my personal life, business ventures, and life in general. I’ll admit it right now, there were countless times where I wanted to curl up into a ball and go backwards in life where life was easier. Keyword EASIER! Do you want to tell your kids one day you didn’t try because you took the “easy” way out? It's tempting, but what legacy or foundation do you want to create for yourself where you can look at the mirror everyday with confidence and say, “I made this, I created this life, and no one can tell me otherwise”
