How can people measure success and progress and ignore the failure of others? When we succeed, we allow others around us fail. Not in the sense that when I succeed others must fail, rather when we achieve, we transcend and forget the struggles we faced while others continue do so.
By ignoring our struggle, we allow others to face the same limitations we struggled with. Some hardliners will say, “Well I made it without help and with challenges, so should they.” Why is that?
“It builds character.”
“People appreciate it more when they have to work hard.”
“Life’s not fair.”
“I did it without help.”
These all very well may be true, but what happens if the struggle fails to build character or if people are unable to succeed because their hard work falls just short? Failure is generational as is success.
We have people in our life who mold us and create a better version of ourselves. For example, one of mine is Brandon Martin. Looking at and seeing things from a different perspective is exactly what we are missing. I am blessed for both Mr. and Mrs. Martin in my life as we share a closeness that created an atmosphere of growth and self reflection.
Those two individuals are not the only people in my life who changed my perspective. I have a long list and honestly I never believe it will be an exhaustive one. Maybe that is the way it should be. When we remove growth from ourselves, we remove progress for us all.
We cannot allow ourselves to be controlled from the ideas of our past, nor should that be the agreed upon standard. The status quo is seldom the best way forward. If we are able to adjust a small part of a system to make it function more efficiently for more people, what are we waiting for?
The more prior generations fail, the harder it is for future generations to succeed. The opposite is also true. The more prior generations succeed the easier it is for future generations to do so as well.
Life is hard and unfair. Some people have the good fortune to succeed without others. When did we grow so callous that we cannot be bothered by the struggles of others? Ignoring people as they struggle and battle through hardships, should never be the standard and is very unnecessary. Time and again however, it seems we are destined to repeat the errors of our past.
Why must people continue to face the same struggles and hardships that came before them. If we claim success and progress how are we allowing people to fail or suffer through, as we had to. That is not progress, nor is it success, to watch people fail when we possess the power to change it.
If people are vested with, influence, power, or authority: Those individuals must change things for the better when their actions have the ability to do so.
Failure to act is the single greatest insult to the human condition. Not only that but is the most egregious and selfish thing humankind continues to do. You knew what you did was wrong, yet you did it anyway. That is intentional and willful. At what point should we be ashamed of one another.
Arrogance, ignorance, selfishness… These words describe our limits as people. Congratulations, you succeeded. Failure to recognize doesn’t make it go away. Enjoy your abundance as others suffer with nothing.
We continue to live in a world of have(s) and have(nots). Why must a person accumulate enough wealth to purchase a 100-million-dollar home when a few miles away people are homeless or struggling to feed themselves and their family. How can a country that has developed a system for clean drinking water ignore those who are without?
It is our responsibility to lift people up and create the opportunities for those who would not have them but for our actions. If you have the ability to change something or someone’s life for the better, you do it.
When we give aid to our neighbors in need, we must also hold people accountable and force them to also uplift themselves. Creating a system that balances itself is necessary for future generations.
If you want something earn it. Work hard and do what is necessary to achieve. If you go to sleep praying to whatever god you believe in to move mountains, you better be prepared to wake up with a shovel in your hand.
We cannot give to those who are not willing to help themselves; however, by not fully understanding a person’s struggle or mental state, we will not succeed or create “true” progress.
Let us also hold ourselves to a higher standard. Perfection may never be obtained, but should we refrain from the challenge? The struggles are what makes success and our progress worth it.
What would happen everyone pursued collective success and progress?
Be the change. Lead from the front. Set an example future generations can follow. Make this world just a little better than the way you found it. Practice and teach yourself empathy.
Imagine the world we would leave to our children.
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