Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective

Before anyone from the Boomer generation gets defensive, let me share a little secret: I’m one of you. I’m also on a journey of moving away from the mindset of conquering both my mind and the world around me. Here’s my experience and what I’ve gleaned from it.

And to all the cheerful Millennials, Gen Y, and Z folks out there—stick around. You might find some valuable insights in this tale!

When the student is ready, the teacher emerges. For me, that teacher was my niece, who, despite her small stature, delivered a powerful lesson.

“So, how was your week?” she asked brightly.

“I’ve been engrossed in the Bhagavad Gita,” I replied, trying to sound wise. “There’s so much to learn from these ancient teachings!”

“Really? I find that stuff dull. But go ahead, tell me something you learned,” she countered with a playful challenge.

“Sure, you know the Gita, right?” I began, a bit condescendingly. “It’s this profound scripture that discusses how we should navigate our lives. It describes Arjuna, the warrior king, grappling with the moral dilemma of fighting against his own relatives for the sake of his kingdom.”

I paused, expecting a reaction, but was met with silence. “That’s a first!” I chuckled.

After a moment, she sighed, “I wish some scriptures were penned by women. All you guys focus on is life and death, conquest and defeat. Everything revolves around aggression. How about writing teachings on getting along with your in-laws or dealing with someone like you?”

She made a valid point.

The language surrounding self-improvement and life is often steeped in themes of power and conflict.

Conquer your mind. Discipline your body. Give me more! Fight to win. Never back down. Never. Ever.

You get the gist. These phrases evoke images of heroism and pushing beyond our limits. They can serve as inspiration for those who aspire to be more than they are.

However, this hero-centric narrative carries an often-overlooked cost. It conditions us to wage war against the world and ourselves. We feel we can’t take a break until we achieve our goals; otherwise, we risk being labeled failures.

Work, which occupies a large part of our lives, has adopted a vocabulary from battle. Hit your targets, crush the competition, maximize your share, gain an edge, win that promotion—‘He who dies with the most wins,’ and ‘outrun the competition’ are just a few examples.

The imagery is unmistakable.

Here lies the issue: the mantra that ‘winning is everything’ often leaves many of us feeling like losers, regardless of our actual accomplishments.

What if this aggressive imagery has outlived its usefulness? What if we could create a new framework and vocabulary for success? What if we approached life as a game instead of a battleground? After competitive matches, opposing teams shake hands and celebrate together! What if we infused fun into our pursuits rather than treating ourselves and our dreams with excessive seriousness? If we could laugh at ourselves, perhaps we wouldn’t feel so pressured all the time! What if life resembled a dance or a symphony instead of a conflict to be won? This shift could grant us freedom and joy, rather than keeping us in a fight-or-flight mentality.

What if happiness were considered alongside material success? What if we could cultivate positivity and love instead of relying solely on technology and resources?

These are subtle yet significant changes in our language.

We know words hold immense power. They can inspire great movements, dismantle empires, or even create deities.

Consider substituting the word ‘Fight’ with ‘Play.’ What kind of imagery does that conjure?

What if we viewed life as a Play or Dance instead of a struggle for survival? We could engage with life more comfortably, feeling at ease with ourselves and the world around us.

In ancient traditions, some conflicts were resolved through ceremonial dances rather than violence!

What if Boomers returned to their roots in Flower Power? Maybe not the fashion, though!

What if we rallied around John Lennon’s “Imagine” as a unifying anthem?

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one!”

Younger generations are embracing a broader, more holistic language that many Boomers struggle to understand. They focus on work-life balance, improving the world, sustainable living, and experiencing life instead of merely accumulating wealth. They approach success with a more relaxed attitude than we do.

We often label the youth as confused and weak.

In response, they use the phrase ‘Okay Boomer’ to indicate our lack of understanding.

However, one undeniable truth remains: the future belongs to them, not us. The time of the Boomers is winding down, and it's crucial for us to adapt and learn from the perspectives of future generations.

Instead of attempting to conquer our minds, let’s explore thoughts and ideas playfully. There’ll be no need for rigid discipline; work can become enjoyable rather than draining.

So, to Boomers and everyone else: Shift your mindset and language. Change the world.

Exercise:

Here’s a straightforward exercise to help rewire our thinking. Identify two words you frequently use that contribute to a serious or ‘grown-up’ demeanor. Then, think of alternative words that evoke a more ‘child-like’ feeling. Consciously start using these new words in your daily conversations.

You’ll notice a positive shift in your thoughts, feelings, and overall life experience.

If you found this article valuable, I invite you to share your thoughts. Also, please follow me and sign up for emails filled with actionable advice for leading a powerful and joyful life.

About Me: I’ve founded and led two companies and held senior positions at a global Fortune 500 firm. My professional journey has taken me across several continents. Throughout my adventures, my family has been my greatest treasure. The past decade has been dedicated to exploring ancient Eastern spiritual paths.

In my life, I’ve received more than I ever imagined or deserved. Grace has consistently been present. These writings are my attempt to give back.