The Illusion of Control and the Power of Adaptability
Assuage the roll, embrace the sway. You cannot control the waves.
Say what you mean, so that you can find out what you mean. Act out what you say, so you can find out what happens. Then pay attention. Note your errors. Articulate them. Strive to correct them. That is how you discover the meaning of your life. That will protect you from the tragedy of your life. How could it be otherwise? Confront the chaos of Being. Take aim against a sea of troubles. Specify your destination, and chart your course. Admit to what you want. Tell those around you who you are. Narrow, and gaze attentively, and move forward, forthrightly. Be precise in your speech.
Jordan B. Peterson
Seek Stability, Not Control
An open letter. A plea.
Hey kiddo,
I've often found myself reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life. And as I've watched you grow, I've realized how important it is to share these musings with you.
You see, as you journey through life, you'll discover that very little is truly within your grasp of control. It's a humbling realization, but one that's essential to understand.
Take a moment, every once in a while, to just pause and observe. For instance, think about driving.
Sure, you can control where your car goes, but can you guarantee that you won't get into an accident? Not entirely. And it's not about being pessimistic; it's about understanding the vastness of variables at play.
Consider your finances. You might be diligent about your spending, making wise investments, and saving for the future. But can you predict the stock market's every move? Or control inflation rates?
Similarly, you might pour love and care into maintaining a lush lawn, but can you command the rain to fall or the sun to shine just right? Not quite.
The truth is, while we can influence many aspects of our lives, complete control is an illusion. Even when it comes to our own behaviors and choices, it's not always a straightforward path.
Think about it: how often have you made a promise to yourself, only to find it challenging to follow through? It's like those New Year's resolutions to hit the gym. Many start with gusto, but as days turn into weeks, that initial enthusiasm wanes.
Gyms bank on this very human tendency, offering contracts that many will never fully utilize. But why is it that even when we know the benefits of a choice, like exercising for better health, we struggle to stay committed?
It's not because we're lazy or lack willpower. It's because humans are intricate beings, driven by a myriad of motivations, emotions, and past experiences. The world around us, too, is a swirling dance of complexities.
Life isn't always simple, and that's okay. People have layers, hidden desires, fears, and dreams. The world keeps turning, seasons change, and life, with all its unpredictability, continues.
But here's the silver lining: amidst this chaos, you can find stability. How? By investing in knowledge. The more you understand yourself, the better equipped you'll be to navigate external challenges and influence your internal world.
Dive deep into understanding your motivations, your fears, and your dreams. This self-awareness becomes an anchor, grounding you when the seas of life get stormy.
And don't just stop at self-reflection. Equip yourself with knowledge about the world around you. Understand the systems at play, the intricacies of human behavior, and the wonders of nature.
This knowledge won't just make you wise; it'll make you resilient. When surprises come knocking, and they will, you'll be better prepared to face them head-on.
So, my dear, as you march forward in life, remember this: while you might not have control over everything, you do have the power to adapt, to learn, and to grow. Embrace the journey, with all its twists and turns. And always remember that in the pursuit of knowledge, you'll find your stability, your anchor.
Keep learning, keep growing, and know that I'm always here cheering you on.
With all my love,
Dad
Hi there,
I am truly grateful for your support and interest in my writing.
It's been an amazing journey with my 'Dad Explains' Substack, and I hope you're finding value in the insights I share as I navigate this beautiful, often confusing, thing we call life.
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Remember, we're all in this together. Let's continue to learn, grow, and navigate this journey together.
Best,
Andrew Ussery
Dad