Pursuits lues and shrink a big, unwieldy, and overwhelming world to make it feel smaller and more manageable are useful for integrating significant changes into your life and walking confidently into the unknown. - Brad Stulberg, Master of Change
Try as you might, the world is too incomprehensible to grasp fully.
And believe me, I’ve tried.
Over the years, I have run myself ragged trying to figure out how to make a difference, how to have the most positive impact, and how to change what so desperately needs to be changed. So much so that I wonder if it was paralyzing at times, that it did more harm than good to myself and to others.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
"Maybe I should go work for the WHO. Maybe I should get a degree in public policy. Maybe I should join the Peace Corp or Teach For America. What if I worked for the ACLU? Could I run for office? Should I be a staffer to someone I believe in?”
All of those are worthy endeavors and callings.
But none of those are for me. I wouldn't be pursuing them in good faith. I would be doing them for the wrong reasons. I would be involved to make myself feel better and in the process maybe feel like I was making a difference. The people who work in these spaces do meaningful work and make a difference. I have no doubts about that.
Unfortunately, I can’t change the global infrastructures that were put in place centuries ago and harm us all. But this isn’t a pessimistic piece—I’m an optimist.
I just have a smaller scope now.
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.”
So, what can we do if we feel powerless against the powers that be? What can we do if we don’t know what to do?
At the most basic level, we can be kind. We can always be kind—kind to others and kind to ourselves. (You matter. Treat yourself as such.)
How do you narrow down your pursuits and find those that align with you? How do you determine your core values?
I know that music, writing, and sharing are the core of what drives me. Teaching music combines two of those. Writing in public combines two of those. Writing music and sharing it combines all three of them, and wow, does that light me up.
As for finding your own meaningful pursuit, this might take time. Or this might already be something you know but are afraid to admit. Or it might be something you're already doing.
I think we mistake pursuits as having to be something seismic. I know I did. But meaningful pursuits and meaningful work can be done at home. It can be done at your day job. It can be a side hustle. It can be volunteering, teaching someone how to do literally anything, working in hospice care, or buying lunch for a friend.
John F. Kennedy said, “One person can make a difference, and every person should try.” He didn’t spell out how to make that difference, but he was right that one person can.
There are infinite ways to make a difference. Try a few out and see what feels right for you.
And share what you’ve tried with me. I would love to hear it.