We work, we struggle, and we try to do everything we possibly can to move on to a higher level of well-being but it seems like the harder we work, the more stuck we get. If you’re approaching a Category 5 frustration level, you should give this a try…

Switch your focus and yes, to other people!

I realize that it’s important to watch out for our number one – ourselves;

We need to set goals, and layout plans, and then do those things we need to do, to make some progress towards our goals. We need to demonstrate personal financial responsibility, plan for retirement, and frequently just cover our backside so we don’t get chewed off by one or more of life’s rodents.

However, what frequently happens is that we become over-focused on ourselves and our well-being that we wind up building huge walls. Consequently, losing the ability – or even desire – to see the bigger picture and possibilities that life presents to us. We become so focused on “me” that we sometimes begin scrutinizing even the most insignificant events to determine their potential impact on our personal lives, which could make us victims of ourselves. And sometimes, we become so busy being busy that we lose track of where we thought we wanted our lives to wind up in the first place.

But one possible solution, as I earlier mentioned, is to change our focus from “me” to “others”; from being the receiver to being the giver. And no, I’m not even implying that this requires any major change in the things we do every day. Granted, It may eventually lead to that but it is not a crucial part of the initial process.

Here’s what I mean; No matter what you do to earn a living or keep the household moving in a logical direction, somewhere down the line, a real person will probably benefit from what you do. Think about it. The work we do is not just to stuff computer systems full of information or help machines work better. It is not just to take people’s money so we would have a paycheck at the end of the week. It’s not just filling out forms, nailing pieces of boards together, assembling electronic devices, hauling packages, going to meetings, etc. Somewhere, sometime another human being will likely be positively affected by what you do.

And yes, if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that I’ve used a couple of cop-out words in the preceding paragraph – “likely” and “probably”. I had to do that because in the real world there are some individuals whose money-making efforts are focused mainly on “non-beneficial” activities. This is just the way the world is.

For the rest of us, however, our activities and work generally reflect a more positive endeavor. This leads us back to my original suggestion. If you are caught in the quicksand, take a few minutes to think about the people – the individuals who will be better off, healthier, or happier because of what you do. Think about how your time and talents will be beneficial to them.

Now, do you see what can happen here? 

When we change our focus from “me” to “others”, our work – the things we do every day – starts taking on a new significance. We are now givers and our lives become more meaningful. We begin to see that what we do is truly important to someone else. That’s pretty special, huh?

If you have to stretch your imagination to see at least one person that benefits from what you do, then it’s not fitting together, you might consider looking into a different occupation – or at least a different way to spend your free time. There are a bunch of people who could benefit from your talents. Think about what you do well and what you enjoy doing and how that could help others have a better life. Then go ahead and do it. This way, you’ll be out of the quicksand before you know it.