Does What I Do Really Matter?

Once in a while, someone writes in and asks for some advice or my opinion. I really care about people, but my manner seems pretty rough sometimes. Here is part of an email from a subscriber, and my answer with their permission. Maybe someone else feels the same way out there.

Quote
“Sometimes it seems so useless and meaningless to waste time going after goals when no one else really cares and it doesn’t seem to make a difference in the world. What is the use of trying every day anyhow? I don’t mean to write such a depressing letter. Maybe I am just looking for some meaning in my life?” - John
End Quote

Hi John (name changed to protect their identity),

First I want to make a disclaimer. I am not a coach. I am not a professional health care provider or certified in any capacity to dispense advice. I am just another traveller on the road of life, who has some life experience on this planet.

I will answer based on my experience and how I sometimes have to jumpstart myself in these similar conditions. Take what serves you, discard the rest.

If you consistently feel this way, then you should get some professional guidance in this area. At the very least you should see your health care provider and make sure that there isn’t a physical reason for these feelings.

This sounds like you are probably letting a ‘down’ period get the best of you. Everyone has these from time to time, but always it is best to check in with a professional first. Then when they give you a clean bill of health and there is no physical abnormality, you are free to pursue alternatives with their blessing.

Anyway, who told you that no one else cares, and that what you are doing is ‘not’ making a difference in this world? Is this how you feel? Feelings follow thoughts, regardless of whether they are based in fact or vividly imagined. Remember this if nothing else. You are a unique and important person, there is no other like you on this planet.

You better believe that You Are Extremely important! What you do while you are on this spinning ball of mass is vitally important! There is nothing ever Unimportant about any Life form. We are all here for some reason, sometimes we are at a loss to understand it. This part is normal.

It does sound like some powerful negative thought is taking place here! The short answer is: Take control of your state and self-talk. Starting now, crowd out that tiny little negative voice with big loud positive thoughts and ideas. There are many strategies for changing and managing your state or attitude. Just pick one that works for you, and work at it.

Take control of your physiology and posture. Breathe deep. Sit or stand like you are excited and passionate about your goals, like you just can’t wait to get at them! Believe that what you are doing is making a difference. Yes, You might not be able to see it or understand it, but everything has a purpose and it serves us.

You might want to do some work on your identity, self-image, or your purpose for being, as far as what you truly aspire to.

Sounds like you need to bring some new people into your life that will support you in your journey. Association with like-minded individuals is key to success!

Ask yourself empowering questions that will get you back on track with your desires. To start with, feel your own power. Use the past to change the present.

Pick 5 things that you have done that you are proud of, and go back to the time you completed them and really feel the emotion that you felt then!

Pick 5 character traits that you have that are positive, and imagine that they get stronger each minute.

Pick 5 times that you have helped another person in some way, even just an attitude shift, or just a smile for one who had none.

Anything, just get off the negative! Your life is important! You are making a difference! Sometimes we just don’t recognize how it is happening in others’ lives. Choose to live large.

I am not a coach. Seek professional guidance. There are many people who can probably communicate the methods to use better than I. I just know that in order to progress, you need to change how you ‘feel’ about what you do, or change what you ‘do’.

If you are going to imagine something, make it something that serves you. Hope this helps a bit, let me know. And always: Go for it!

Al Smith
End Of Letter.

I do not know what result my opinions have had, but I hope that we all develop some meaning in life that brings out our joy and passion for living. It is so important.

Make every day your masterpiece. See you tomorrow.