Recently, I met an interesting Woman who have achieved Career Peak. She is the Head of the Department.She groomed her successor and then quit her high profile job for lack of challenge in the role.
Been there, done that. You know.
What could inspire her , challenge her next ? She is driven, and enterprising.
I suggested her to go for a startup venture since she is a Servant Leader.
She confessed, she is a Hermit ( which resonated with me ) and at times she experience
Existential Crisis ( which resonated even more )
Lot of similarities except the fact that I haven’t reached Peak in my Career yet.
Talking of Careers, I heard from a Respectable Leader – Careers are sometimes balls of yarn rather than Career Ladder.
That’s what myCareer has been all these years – A ball of Yarn.
What is Existential crisis ? What causes it ? And what is the solution .
A problem solver as I am, my theory is the antidote to Existential Crisis is Systems of Engagement.
A system of engagement could be –
Love
Movie
Book
Social Media ( Facebook, Twitter, Linkdedin)
Social Networking
Friends
Family
Conversation with strangers
Writing
Research
Parenting
Music
Art
Trekking
Travel
Running, Jogging, Walking
Gym or Fitness Regime
Meditation or Mindfulness ( this requires a separate discussion altogether )
Paid Work
Voluntary Meaningful Non Paid work, Mentoring, Community Service
When you aren’t engaged with any one of the above, you experience Existential Crisis.
Bingo.
Problem Solved.
My 2nd theory – Fall in Love, Travel or Write a Book or do any of the above to evade Existential Crisis.
Prince Hamlet experiences an existential crisis as a result of the death of his father. This is shown especially by Shakespearein the famous soliloquy which starts, “To be, or not to be: that is the question…”
That begs the question – Do people who suffer from Existential Crisis experience Positive Disintegration ? And as a result do they Self Actualize faster ?
An existential crisis is a moment at which an individual questions the very foundations of their life: whether their life has any meaning, purpose, or value.[1]This issue of the meaning and purpose of existence is the topic of the philosophical school of existentialism.
Happiness lies in action , in showing up. Be Thoughtful & Maintain a Bias for Action Do hard work and smart work both as situation demands consistently Navel gazing doesn’t move mountains but produces qualitative thought Reflection and Quiet time is necessary for creativity / innovation to occur Question everything . Don’t be afraid to ask questions Stay true to your friends Connect with people from closely knit communities Passion is the fuel to realize dreams Talent is God given, Stay humble Master your craft Value & seek the company of wise folks Love your parents & thy neighbor Spot Comedy of errors. Comic relief is a must. Learn to laugh at your mistakes but never repeat them Develop A sense of humor to bear the cross Remember fondly of folks who adore you Make moments count, Be memorable Take pride & interest in your career , no matter however humble or great. You are the child of God meant to do stuff as you will Being is enough Read great literature and poetry Gratitude is the best kept secret to healthy relationships & happy mind Praise & appreciation works wonders. It makes 2 people happy -the giver & receiver Stay curious , Stay hungry. Remain a student of Life. Boss is always right & you are the boss of your Life
The richness of inner, rational beauty always spreads and deepens ~ Nietzsche
An instant smile gleams through my face when I hear this bollywood song ” Philosophy ka craze hai, Kehti hai yeh ik phase hai ” as if LYRICS were written exclusively for me. ”
At 35, in the quest for Truth and self discovery, to interrogate myself, my way of Living, answer questions about Morality, Free Will , I discovered and took to reading deeper and original Philosophers eg Nietzsche, David Humes et al to be a different kind of person. Once you believe in Growth mindset ( Carol Dweck ) , you tend to believe you are not carved in stone and can evolve as you will. I believe PHILOSOPHY is utmost for an EXAMINED LIFE .
An unexamined Life is not worth Living – Socrates
Philosophy answers lots of big questions about LIFE & once you gain further understanding you tend to develop an inner compass to sail through various situations in LIFE. Further Resources to explore for inner strength , beauty and to further deepen thought around Philosophy for Life.