The Hierarchy of Engagement: Embracing Your Inner Child and Making Every Moment Count

The Hierarchy of Engagement: Embracing Your Inner Child and Making Every Moment Count

Life is short. It's a phrase we often hear, but do we truly understand its meaning? An average human only lives for around 30,000 days, a mere blip in the vast expanse of the universe. When we consider the time spent with our parents before college and deduct the hours dedicated to sleeping, eating, and exercising, we are left with just 10,400 days. That's a mere 28 years. If we were aware that we only had 28 years left to live, how would we choose to spend them?

In our pursuit of success, we often believe that sacrificing time is necessary. We think that success inevitably requires long hours and countless sacrifices. But perhaps we have it all wrong. Money may seem like the ultimate asset, but time is truly the most valuable resource we have. Money can be earned and lost, but time, once gone, can never be retrieved.

This realization hit me when I came across a powerful TED talk by Scott Dinsmore titled "How to Find Work You Love." Dinsmore posed a profound question: "Is this how you are going to spend the rest of your life? Have you tried your best to figure out who you are and why you exist?" These words struck a chord within me, resonating with the idea that life is too short to spend it on someone else's dreams.

We often get caught up in the pursuit of success as defined by societal norms, but what if we took a step back and listened to our inner child? That inner voice that knows us best. Our inner child is the one who still feels the sparkles in our eyes when we engage in activities that truly matter to us. It's the part of us that yearns to create something meaningful, something that helps others or brings happiness to those around us.

But how do we tap into this inner child and embrace what truly fulfills us? It starts with self-reflection and asking ourselves the tough questions. If we only had 28 years on this earth, how would we choose to spend our time? How do we want to be remembered? What are the things that, if left undone, would leave us with a sense of regret on our deathbed?

Once we have answered these questions, it's time to take action. Here are three actionable steps to help us embrace our inner child and make every moment count:

1. Prioritize self-discovery: Take the time to truly understand who you are and what brings you joy. Explore different interests and passions, even if they seem unrelated to your current path. Sometimes, the most unexpected hobbies or activities can lead to profound fulfillment.

2. Embrace vulnerability: Often, our inner child is suppressed by fear and societal expectations. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and pursue what truly excites you. Embrace vulnerability and allow yourself to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

3. Create your own definition of success: Success is subjective, and it's important to define it for ourselves rather than conforming to external standards. Identify what truly matters to you and align your actions with your values. Remember, success is not just about financial wealth; it's about living a life that is truly fulfilling.

In the end, life is about making every moment count. It's about embracing our inner child and following our passions, even if it means deviating from the traditional path to success. As we navigate the hierarchy of engagement, let's remember that time is our most valuable asset, and it's up to us to make the most of it. So, let's prioritize self-discovery, embrace vulnerability, and create our own definition of success. Let's live a life that we won't regret on our deathbeds.