It seems to me that most people make resolutions at this time of year – promises to themselves that ‘this year I’ll be better’, or that they’ll do better or stop doing whatever. And then, within a month or two, they’ve forgotten their promises completely. Whether it’s going to the gym or going for a run or staying on a diet, it seems most people’s staying power can be measured in days, if not hours. And everybody whines about it. It’s such a common litany that it’s long since become a joke. This is one of the least funny things I can think of.
The thing is, we all know very well that no progress is possible if we can’t stick to our guns and conquer our goals. And everyone who goes down this road – at least initially – has the same high expectations, year after year. And generally, they make the same lists and the same promises, every year. After 10 years or 20, most people finally just give up on the whole idea, deciding that ‘other people can do this, but I can’t’. It’s hogwash, of course, but it’s hard to convince people of that when they’re disillusioned and tired. But still – it’s extremely important for people to learn how to move forward and improve. In fact, it’s critical.
For centuries – probably since the Renaissance – those who could push against the current, brave the storm and face privation, hunger and worse, were held up as the standard against which all others were to be judged. They were the everyday heroes, the leaders and men of wisdom – but we have lost them. The last hundred years has seen an emasculation and de-feminization of all humans. On the endless drive toward ‘equality for all’, we have been sold a vision of grungy mediocrity and told that this was now ‘normal’. We were told that an average education, a ‘good’ job with advancement opportunities, marriage, children, old age and death were the best anyone could hope for. It was a lie, but we bought into it because it was easy. This life required no heroism, no sacrifice and no venturing into the unknown. Initially, those who knew the truth of this deception laughed to themselves as they scooped up all the power and the cash. But even their children have bought into the lie, so that now, all humans merely exist. Who needs the Matrix? We’ve imprisoned ourselves.
Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new year, a very uncertain year – financial instability, political instability, rogue nations flexing their muscles, and a pandemic that seems to go on forever – now, more than ever, we need those heroes back. We need to have people who can stand up against the darkness, violence and ignorance that swirls all around us, and fight back. We need the hope they can bring and the vision they carry. But who are these people? Where do we find these heroes? Look in the mirror – you’re it.
The world needs the ones who will stand up and fight for the future – not for old flags and worn-out concepts, but for hope, prosperity and freedom. The old ‘normal’ is dead – we can never go back there again. We need to find a way to fix the old problems left to us as a toxic legacy, a way to reformat the civil and social systems as we leave the old ones in the dust. And by the way, we need to do this without making any billionaires richer and without leaving anyone behind. This, by the way, does not mean we need to lean into socialism. Socialism doesn’t really work well. It leads far too easily into totalitarianism – something we need to avoid at all costs.
What we actually need is true democracy, an idea that has never really had a shot because it was too difficult to implement before. No longer. Cell phones and social media have democratized the planet, to the point that this newfound connectivity has many government entities very nervous. What we need now is total, extra-governmental, extra-commercial privacy systems, in order to seal the snoops away from us – so that we can do as we will without fear of tracking, interference or reprisal. Note of warning: if your idea of a fun thing to do is overthrow your government, understand that they have no sense of humor about this, and you will be quickly found and eliminated. One of the major functions of government is to protect itself. A word to the wise.
Decentralize commerce, crash the Stock Market, rewrite the laws of human behavior, pull the government’s teeth, institute a standard 20-hour work week, make money superfluous – do the kinds of things you ache to do in order to make the world new – just don’t hurt anyone in the process. And don’t forget, 25% or more of the human population are stupid, and will neither understand nor appreciate what you’re trying to do (see my blog, ‘Stupid Are Us’ for more). You can’t change them, there’s no point in fighting them, so go around them. Otherwise, even the sky is no longer the limit – dream big!
So, from a practical standpoint, how do we do this? Hell, where do we start? As with most things, the answer is embarrassingly simple – it’s the implementation that sucks. Start with you – you’re the only thing you can really change with any hope of success – using small changes of habit, consistently applied, you can be a different person in a year. Once you’ve seen how that works, apply it to other things around you. What things? Here’s a hint: if you see a problem that needs fixing, and you think you know how to fix it – that task is probably meant for you. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. While you’re at it, find force multipliers – other people who have the same vision as you. Start a social media page, talk about the problem to everyone you know, find ways to build a movement. You’re stronger than you know.
This year don’t make New Year’s just about fixing the same old things – losing ten pounds or getting a raise – make it really count. Get out there and change the world. Be a hero. Because you can.
Be well
TGC