Dystopian realities, from political turmoil and economic inequality to systemic injustices and the looming threat of climate change, are undeniably present in our lives. For those inheriting this uncertain future, the prospect of a better tomorrow can seem daunting.
While a VICE youth survey revealed that a significant portion of young people feel incapable of enacting change regarding economic and conflict-related issues, the survey also highlighted a strong sense of agency when it comes to addressing climate and social problems. Despite the challenges, millennials maintain a belief in action and the potential for positive impact. Here’s a brief guide to help you navigate the complexities of today and actively contribute to building a brighter future.
Look Back to Move Forward
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when tackling seemingly unprecedented challenges. However, we rarely start from scratch. We build upon the foundations laid by those who came before us – survivors, innovators, and countless unsung heroes.
These individuals, often overlooked in history books, possessed their own aspirations, dreams, and unfulfilled goals. Draw inspiration from them. Consider a distant ancestor, perhaps a great-great grandparent. Envision the countless enslaved ancestors who endured unimaginable hardship, paving the way for future generations to innovate and discover their purpose. Seek out your own remarkable, yet ordinary, survivor-ancestor and strive to live a life that honors their sacrifices, their struggles, and their enduring spirit.
Cultivate Positive Obsession
The late science fiction writer Octavia Butler emphasized the importance of practice over mere talent. She advocated for cultivating “positive obsession” – a focused dedication that ignites our passions, fuels our actions, and unlocks new possibilities. This motivator transforms into the daily and nightly practices that shape our lives.
Discover what ignites your soul, surround yourself with people who nurture that flame, and dedicate a portion of your life to pursuing what truly matters to you. Butler herself would rise at 3 AM to write before heading to her factory job, showcasing the power of dedication in the face of limitations.
Acknowledge Your Limitations
Each individual possesses a finite amount of time and energy. The day consists of only 24 hours, a portion of which must be allocated to essential activities like sleep, nourishment, and personal care. Furthermore, our time on this earth is finite. The limitations on our capacity to actively shape change, as Butler noted, are very real.
While these limitations can feel restrictive, they also serve as a reminder of the preciousness of time. Respect these boundaries by prioritizing and safeguarding your time, using it wisely and in accordance with its inherent value.
Transcend Boundaries
Each generation carries the responsibility to surpass previous achievements in ethics, morality, the quality of human life, and technological innovation. There’s immense satisfaction in experiencing a new understanding of life or conceiving a novel idea, only to discover that writers like Butler, Grace Lee Boggs, Audre Lorde, or James Baldwin had thoroughly explored the concept decades prior. This realization fosters humility, inspiring us to learn from their wisdom and propel ourselves and our communities to push the boundaries of thought and action. Avoid confining yourself to recreating what has already been accomplished. Individual success is an illusion; collective innovation is essential.
Embrace Humor
Perfection is an illusion, unattainable in the long run. Embrace your missteps and learn from your mistakes. Cultivate a sense of humor and use it to navigate the challenges that inevitably arise.
These are extraordinary times, precisely because of the dynamic changes unfolding around us. Rather than succumbing to fear, channel the energy of your desire to live, thrive, experience joy, and connect with others. Use your entire being to shape the future.
In essence, making a better tomorrow requires a blend of historical awareness, passionate dedication, realistic self-assessment, a commitment to collective progress, and a healthy dose of humor. By embracing these principles, we can all contribute to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
