I find that many people subscribe to some version of the “big secret” theory of life, also known by its variants the “lottery” theory and “when my ship comes in.”
The big secret theory is that there is some special talisman, some powerful hidden mystery that once unraveled holds the key to life. Some key that once possessed unlocks a cornucopia of limitless abundance. Most might deny they think this way, but if you observe people living their lives or listen to them for any extended time, their actions (or inactions) usually belie their words.
This big secret theory of life is magical thinking, and it is patent nonsense. It is worse than useless because it diverts people’s attention and efforts, distracts them from taking meaningful actions to propel their lives forward to their greatest potential. Instead it dissipates their energy and focus while they chase mythical pots of gold at the end of ever-distant rainbows.
You want to know the big secret of life? You ready? Really ready? Sitting down?
The big secret of life is that it is a thousand and one small secrets.
Yep, that’s it. Sorry if you were expecting more.
But you got more than you may realize. The concept of small secrets is a real gem. A diamond in the rough if the analogy pleases you.
Small secrets means the secret of life is in the details, and the inspiration is in the stars.
Small secrets means the secret of life is showing up every day and doing the best you can.
Small secrets means the secret of life is in nurturing yourself and giving yourself a day off when you need one, and you can do so without shirking major responsibility.
Small secrets means the secret of life is intelligent persistence.
Small secrets means the secret of life is being a life-long learner.
Small secrets means the secret of life is accepting responsibility for your life and the consequences of your choices.
Small secrets means the secret of life is that the meaning of life is a question life asks of us, not that we ask of life.
Small secrets means the secret of life is balance.
Small secrets means the secret of life is that there are a thousand and one secrets, and the journey never ends. The journey is the destination.
I agree entirely. I’ve heard way too many sentences from friends that began “One day when I’m rich I’m going to buy a…..”
At no point before, after, or during these statements is there any mention to how exactly the person believes they will make themselves rich. They think it will arrive like gray hair one day and all will be right with the world. The ones that are getting older now and still not getting rich try to find excuses as to why they’re not rich already.
“If my parents had pushed me harder when I was in school…”
“If I didn’t have to pay for X I would be able to save more…”
“If I hadn’t gotten pregnant with (insert baby name here) at such a young age I could have gone to college…”
The list is always the same in that the excuses are always pointed at someone else.
This post I can get behind! As good as it gets! The only question I have is – Was it ever a secret? What is the world telling us, that we are not listening too? The brain is plastic, so how do we change it so we don’t always look at the finish line and forget to enjoy the race? What a beautiful day today is! We are so lucky! Smell the roses!
You have brought up this theme many times: incremental, evlolutionary change accomplished a step at a time. Combines well with “three steps into the fog” and “magnetize your wants” among many others. In so much of life, situations are fluid and the path to a goal changing – even the goal may change. Can you tie some of these posts together?
One step at a time is the only way to move forward unless you can fly which if tried I’m sure you’ll land flat on your face.I lived along time waiting on that special knowledge..that secret thing to propel me into the realm of all knowing…finally I just stopped waiting and started to see the things around me..every journey starts with the first step..if you are not looking then an oppurtunity may be lost…everything in the universe is made up of much smaller parts..I truly enjoy the small things in life. to me they are easier to grasp and together they add up to the whole…my guiding secret..put first things first…