“All that your ancestors had to go through for you to be here… and you doubt yourself? How dare you. You come from a legacy of survival that is to never be questioned.” –B. Collins
WITH THIS advice — or inspirational quote if you will — a cynic would reply, “But I didn’t’ choose to be born at all.”
To some people, the past is a treasure trove that can enrich the present moment despite any setback. To others, however, the past is a regrettable chapter to one’s life.
Eventually, when we reach the final chapter of our lives, the only thing left for us would be our memories. And to some, even memories disappear as the last chapter of one’s life begins.
But regardless of the past events, and no matter how promising or uncertain the future would be, there is one idea or theory that I am pondering:
The Legacy of the Present
1. “Be your best at your worst moment.” – Goggins
This is of course subject to many interpretations. This advice is really effective when I get lazy or become immature. If a child having a tantrum is irritating enough, wait till an adult does the same. An adult in a tantrum is already toxic. That of a child is more understandable. Amusing even or cute. But an adult? A family member, colleague, or a politician? This is way too dangerous, depressing, and toxic.
And admittedly, this is how I label my immaturity: a tantrum. And to no surprise, you may have encountered such tantrums. Some childish adults would know and do things intentionally to irritate or make life difficult for others. To some, they are not aware that they are being immature. It’s just how they are built to operate. Pity.
I learned that the best way to address all these things is to be more responsible. To get excited in knowing that despite the toxicity, I can choose to rather do things in a better way.
To some degree, no one can stop you from improving, from reaching your goal, from fulfilling your potential, and eventually in living your dream.
2. “Force yourself to suffer.” – Goggins
This could be a dangerous advice. Or an exhilarating experience as you watch yourself embrace pain or discomfort as an integral part in the process of reaching your goal: of becoming the best version of yourself.
But here lies the problem: the lack of a goal or the will to be your best self.
It is common knowledge (or common sense) that it is in hardship that a person is toughened up. It is in discipline that strength of character is gained. And nothing easy comes to a man with a vision so great that he is willing to sacrifice the comforts of life and would choose instead to suffer. To study for another hour. To get out of bed before the sun rises. To go to the gym despite a busy schedule. To say no to friends to say yes to one’s goal: creating a story of pure sacrifice.
Suffer with meaning for pursuing a goal for personal greatness. Or suffer in misery for living a life with no personal direction.
3. “Weep not like a woman for the loss of a kingdom you cannot defend like a man.” – Aixa
What is a man of courage? Is he a man obligated to save the world? Or a man willing to sacrifice when the need arises?
One thing I learned from work is about long-term planning (and suffering). To reach the peak of one’s potential would require focus and stubborn self-belief. To fulfill one’s dream is the best experience there could be. It is the legacy of the present.
It is today that matters the most. This very moment is the right time. With deep thoughts and bold actions, with patience and silence, with sacrifice: the appreciation of pain and discomfort as an essential part of the process into becoming the best version of yourself, the present can become the legacy — your kingdom — that you can build and offer to yourself./PN
