If you asked some people today the reason why they stopped pursuing their dreams and the life they once believed in, you will learn from the answers why independence and confidence in oneself are important. You will discover that some stopped because they felt no one believed in their dreams or, they couldn’t get financial support until they felt they were now behind time. Some will also tell you that they’ve been let down enough to stop believing in the possibility of their goal coming true. Others will also tell you that the people they looked up to disappointed and killed the fire that once burned within them. One thing is common from the listed and similar answers; they did not believe they could do it themselves or that they could succeed in getting the life many people have failed to sustain.
The big question following the scenarios is, what if you didn't have friends, family, or community from whom you expected to get models and support among other things? What would your excuse be? Would you just let life pass you by while you bury yourself in self-pity? Life will always be complicated and people won't always live up to our expectations. That is the reason we speak of self-sufficiency, one's ability to sustain themselves without the help of others. This does not relate only to monetary issues but mental, emotional, and behavioral issues as well. Where one has full control of all these aspects of their life, nothing can stand in their way. Living life the way they understand and want it gets easier. Below is how self-sustenance can help you stay true to your purpose:
1. You define the world in your terms – self-sustenance allows you to create your world of possibilities not limited by other people's doubts and pessimism. The inherent mental strength in independent people allows them to question, filter, and use information and thoughts in a way that empowers them. They do not follow others blindly. Consequently, the only limits they have are those they set themselves. If you set yourself on a path of independence with this much inner strength, the only external influence that manages to bring about change in your life will always take you a step closer to your dream.
2. Immunity to peer pressure – sometimes people fail to live life to the fullest because they give in to pressure from their peers. Peer influence has led many to adopt questionable lifestyles and out of character as they try to fit in or be as "successful as others". By so doing, they abandon the path that is meant for them, a life that completes them, just for instant gratification. A sense of independence, self-sustenance, and valuing your unique qualities will help you understand the importance of choosing a path different from that of your peers. As a result, you remain at peace with progressing at your own pace, where seeking validation and support from friends would divert you or slow you down.
3. Being in charge of your life – self-sufficient people do not need others to feel complete. They are psychologically and financially able to run their own lives and only allow other people in willingly. Thus, they control whatever happens in their lives rather than being controlled by circumstances. This much charge over your life makes it easier to stay on track because you do things the way they suit you and your dreams. It is almost impossible to be a pushover or have others use you for their gain if you know what you want and how or when to get it. Your priorities are in order and you limit other people’s access to you.
4. Functional relationships – independent people with a purpose have relationships too. However, they are intentional in forming them. Most importantly, they do not establish or maintain relationships just to please people and try to fit in. Rather, they choose friends according to the value they bring into their lives. This keeps away distractions especially from unnecessary squabbles, gossips and bad influence et cetera. Where success is concerned, it is better to keep your inner circle smaller and more strategic. How many unhealthy or unpurposeful relationships have you kept at the expense of your peace or other valuables only because those people contribute something you think you need at that moment?
5. Staying focused on your goals – although self-sufficient people do meet challenges too, they are more prepared to deal with them and keep moving. The psychological wellbeing aspect of self-sufficiency enables them to filter information healthily while it keeps them optimistic. Their mental strength helps them believe in their dreams and have confidence in themselves. To add to that, their ability to take care of themselves means they are free from pressure to do things a certain way and within a certain period even when it is working against them. All these keep the mind clear and focused on what matters.
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