Warren’s Video "A life of purpose"
Listening to great leaders inspires growth and influences a person’s world view. This paper describes the lessons I gained from listening to three great people and how they changed my perception of success and happiness.
One of the most thought-provoking lessons is that leaders do not own their leadership but are only stewards. Similarly, human beings are stewards over planet earth and should not feel entitled to what it has to offer. Therefore, instead of having an egotistical view of leadership, leaders should use their positions to positively influence others, especially those that are marginalized. Human beings are stewards over the earth and have a responsibility to make it better for the next generations. Realizing that leaders are stewards gives a higher purpose to leadership. Moreover, appreciating our role as stewards over the earth also gives our existence a higher purpose.
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Another thought-provoking lesson is that we should not choose cleverness over kindness (Bezos). The lesson is critical in this era of technological innovation. Our inventions should not be implemented at the expense of humanity but should be guided by kindness to others. Therefore, all individuals should use their gifts to serve others and not for self-fulfillment.
Success and Happiness
Watching the three videos altered my view on how I can attain happiness. Initially, I believed that money was the solution to most, if not all, problems. However, after watching Warren’s video, A life of purpose , I realized that the key to happiness is in service. A good life stems from doing good and not owning good things. For me to live a good life, I must first realize my purpose. Therefore, instead of pursuing material things, I should dedicate my life to finding my purpose. Having a purpose heals me of spiritual emptiness, which Warren asserts is a global disease. Additionally, a purpose-driven life helps me live instead of just exist. My purpose stems from my talents, occupations, or social status. My talent is a source of identity, income, and influence. I can use my influence to speak up for people without influence, which would fulfill me and contribute to my happiness.
Bezos attributes success mostly to choices and not just gifts. His point of view makes me more aware of the choices that I make and the impact they might have on my life. According to Bezos, cleverness is a gift while kindness is a choice. Bezos asserts that gifts are easy to use because they are given yet kindness is a choice. Consequently, it is harder to be kind than clever. The video made me realize that happiness stems from the choices we make and not from our gifts. What I choose to do with my gifts influences my happiness and success. I can use my gifts and choices to author my life. I can choose to be timid and to live a life of ease or I can choose to live in servitude and adventure. The second option is more fulfilling and more likely to lead to success than the first. I can only succeed if I shun dogma, become original, and follow my passion. Therefore, my success depends on determining my passion. Additionally, following my passion requires relentlessness, risk-taking, and perseverance, even under heavy criticism. Therefore, my success is influenced by the series of choices I make, which build on my story.
The most important factor for success is the ability to delay gratification, which stems from self-discipline (de Posada). The marshmallow used in the video represents activities in my life that release dopamine, such as using digital media. Watching the video made me realize that to succeed, I need to be more disciplined and cut down on my use of digital media. Delaying gratification is more satisfying in the long run and creates a distinction between successful people and those who fail. Though some people are born with the innate ability to be disciplined, I can learn the skill and use it to propel me towards success.
Conclusion
Leaders are supposed to act as stewards, just like human beings have stewardship over the earth. Additionally, leaders should use their influence to speak up for the marginalized. Success and happiness are influenced by personal choice. Happiness results from living a life of service and showing kindness. Success results from originality and the discipline to delay gratification. Implementing these principles ensures personal fulfillment and growth.
References
Bezos, J. (2010, May). What matters more than your talents [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_bezos_what_matters_more_than_your_talents?language=en
de Posada, J. (2009, February). Don’t eat the marshmallow [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/joachim_de_posada_don_t_eat_the_marshmallow
Warren, R. (2006, February). A life of purpose [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/rick_warren_a_life_of_purpose#t-256188
