Life: All things to all people…

Lesson learned…Trying to be all things to all people, makes you become nothing to yourself.

What kind of selfish, self-serving, self-affirming statement is this? It is not a disclaimer for bad behaviour or a rationalisation for one’s lack of personality. I suppose this is well…the truth. The thought came to me while driving, as many of my thoughts come.

We have been socialized to be agreeable, cooperative and to play by the rules; all going against man’s innately selfish nature. This realisation has made me believe that most bad, often successful, people are not really bad, just selfish, give or take the odd sociopath.

Furthermore, as good as society-building strategies like the golden rule may be they somehow diminish the sense of self required to reach one’s full potential. I know this sounds crazy, selfishness as a means of reaching enlightenment. But think about it for a bit. How will one ever know what one truly enjoys and excels at if this is never explored?

In real terms, I can use the example of my life. I was a community oriented honour student that always played by rules set by others. It is surprisingly easy to follow a path already set out for you. But that path began to seem less fulfilling when my mind was opened to my potential greatness. In hindsight I think a greater challenge to develop a stronger sense of self, not captive by a fear of disappointing others, would have added a new dimension of strength to my character.

But I suppose one cannot be effectively challenged when one is being advised by people completely paralysed by Fear.

Which leads me to quote none other than Ms. Lily Rose Allen.

“The Fear”

“I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore

And I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore

When do you think it will all become clear?

Cause I’m being taken over by the fear “

Clever and insightful eh? Lily really needs to get more credit for her insightful lyrics and me I need another drink! 😉

Here is Lily performing “The Fear” live! Support her music and purchase her fantastic album It’s Not Me, It’s You on iTunes today!