Didn't See It Coming
- The Next Chapter
- Aug 8, 2020
- 3 min read
Book Review by Shaktiman Singh
If I tell you that simply putting away your phone wouldn’t automatically mean that you are available for your family, would you be intrigued? How about the fact that no one tells us to work on our character- but we’re rewarded or penalized by the world around us for having a strong or weak character respectively?
These are some of the points that the author discussed in his well structured book which throws light upon the seven challenges that no one expects but everyone experiences in their life :
1. Cynicism
2. Compromise
3. Disconnection
4. Irrelevance
5. Pride
6. Burnout
7. Emptiness
However, there are ways to overcome and thrive amidst these challenges…
In the review below, I’ll discuss four of these seven challenges.
Technology amplifies what’s already there: It is a myth that technology has disconnected. Infact technology has allowed us to be with our loved ones from miles away. But it is also true that the advent of social media has made it so engaging that we undervalue the simple moments and find ourselves scrabbling for our phone every five minutes we’re away from it. More
The author has discussed the role of technology as an amplifier. Whatever your weakness is, laziness, prejudice or vanity- technology just amplifies it. But it also helps us learn new skills in an easier way than ever before. So make sure, you have something good worth amplifying.
Just like money, technology makes a terrible master, but a wonderful servant.
Pride comes before the fall: This is a line from the Bible. Pride is nurtured by insecurity. One of the mistakes that we do is measure our self worth by our most recent success or failure. The best counter for pride is humility. If you don’t attribute all your success to your efforts you won’t blame yourself for the failure. This is opposite of all the traditional knowledge about ownership. Isn’t it? Well, a better way to put this learning is that excess ownership can lead us to beat ourselves up for our failures and become too proud of our achievements- this is not a sustainable setup. On the other hand if we attribute some of our success to luck and support of the friends & family, we can very well avert the pit of pride.
Burnout: In a society that rewards workaholics, burnout is a direct outcome of the desire to be on top. Lack of motivation in things that once excited you, plummeting productivity, cynicism are some of the signs of a burnout approaching. Taking a break and solely focusing on feeling better, while seeking medical help is the way out.
The author has prepared this Quiz you can take to find if you’re burning out: https://careynieuwhof.com/burnout-quiz/
Emptiness: In the pursuit of accumulating more in the pursuit of happiness we end up feeling empty. The cycle goes something like this:
More stuff actually does bring us happiness. But only for a while. Then, more doesn’t satisfy you anymore- you need better. Finally, when better has run its course, you need something different. For the sake of something different, you’ll sacrifice the good already in your life. And you’ll end up feeling empty.
What’s the way out? Look out for a mission that’s larger than your self. Dedicate your efforts to a cause that matters. In serving others, you’ll fill up your life with a purpose in such a way that it will never be depleted.
The book puts forth several eye-opening insights in such a relatable manner that instantly grips the attention of the reader. However, many of the learning are derived from Bible and on few occasions, solutions end up being Religious counselling- something a non-religious person might not find very engaging.
That being said, the seven challenges mentioned are something that I do believe need to be addressed. Because it modern world, how you tackle them, can make or break your chances of professional success as well as personal fulfillment!
That being said, the seven challenges mentioned are something that I do believe need to be addressed. Because it modern world, how you tackle them, can make or break your chances of professional success as well as personal fulfillment!
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