The Power of Simplicity: Lessons from a Seers Perspective
Introduction:
Advice often comes in various guises, sometimes guiding us to our better selves, and sometimes leading us down a path of unnecessary stress and overachievement. This article delves into the personal journey of one who learned the value of simplicity in advice and actions, and how these can transform one's outlook on life.
Embracing Simplicity Over Forced Change
One often-overlooked piece of advice is that trying to change others can lead to damaging personal relationships and self-harm. According to Albert Einstein, the world is indeed a dangerous place, but not because of the evil doers, but because of the bystanders who do not act. This teaches us that while we may want to impact the world, the most effective changes often occur within ourselves.
In my early years, as a young officer, I was confrontational and unkind. This harsh attitude led to my superior giving me a stark and moral lesson: if a branch fell on me, he would lift it; if it fell on another, he expected me to leave the other to his fate. Upon reflection, I changed my behavior and became more considerate.
The Myth of Perfection
Another piece of advice that sometimes does more harm than good is the idea that one should simply do their best. As a perfectionist, this phrase is often used to dismiss my own shortcomings. However, the truth is, I have never done my best. I always held back, and there is no genuine inadequacy in that; the true issue lies in my selfishness, lack of discipline, and irresponsibility.
For example, in my 5K race, if I had pushed harder in the second mile, I could have performed better. In my essay, if I had formatted that footnote correctly, I could have scored higher. In the school musical, if I had started auditioning earlier, I could have gotten a bigger role. These scenarios reflect my personal struggle with not pushing myself hard enough.
The problem is not that I did not achieve perfection, but that I did not strive for perfection in the way failure taught me. I had the potential to excel, but I often fell short due to lack of effort, poor planning, and distractions. There are no excuses here.
Small Steps Forward
What I have learned, and continue to learn, is that it is sufficient to do something, even if it is not the best. Submit that test score, complete the race, or sign your rough drawing. Perfection is unattainable, and living up to one's potential is impossible. What matters is taking steps, making an effort, and doing something.
In essence, the advice to simply do your best can be both misleading and harmful. Instead, it is empowering to focus on the small actions that can lead to significant changes in our lives. In doing so, one cultivates resilience, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion
In a world filled with well-meaning advice, it is crucial to differentiate what resonates with us and what might be leading us astray. By embracing simplicity and focusing on smaller, actionable steps, we can avoid the pitfalls of overambition and transform our personal growth journey.