theshitdetector

Honesty is your worst enemy. It lurks in the dark, waiting for an opportunity to strike, yet you choose to ignore it until things reach a critical point. The most challenging conversations are the ones we avoid having with ourselves—the hard truths that we try desperately to evade for years. One thing I've learned is that the storm of consequences is unavoidable. The more we pretend it won't come, the higher the chances of it hitting us.

Time is our most valuable asset. The time to confront our deepest fears and change our ways is now. Identifying ourselves solely by our positions is the worst mistake we can make. How can we define ourselves by a position when the ground beneath us is constantly shifting? The past does not determine the future, but...

We often navigate the future with a rearview mirror. The past is not superior to the future; the future always holds the potential for improvement. Information is doubling every 24 hours, rendering our current knowledge obsolete by tomorrow.

So, what are you doing to prepare for the impending storm?

Preparing for the storm requires discarding the belief system that holds you back—the outdated notions about life, the world, and yourself. The clichés you have unquestioningly inherited have become a part of your identity:

• Believing that you need a job to achieve stability.
• Considering family as the most important aspect of life.
• Assuming that your children should love you unconditionally.
• Identifying yourself as a creative person.
• Treating your job as your most valuable asset.

I bet I could shatter these beliefs like fragile glass in seconds. If you reflect deeply, you'll see how much thought you have invested in these beliefs. Where did they come from? Have you tested them for yourself to see if they truly work for you?

Your makeup is unique to you. While we share a blueprint, what works for someone else may not work for you. What worked five years ago or even a year ago may not be applicable today. Our systems haven't been updated, our software remains unchanged, and our hardware is outdated. How can we navigate the future if we are still using outdated technology like MS-DOS? The machines won't function—they have evolved.

Take a look around your house, at the gadgets and tools you use—the washing machine, the dishwasher, and so on. These devices have evolved over hundreds of years, thanks to democracy allowing the industrial revolution to thrive. Consider the value each household item holds.

For instance, think about the washing machine. It was initially invented in 1892 to free women from spending excessive time on household chores and allow them more freedom outside of work. However, even in 2023, there are men (including doctors and engineers) who approach marriage with traditional gender roles, expecting their wives to take care of domestic tasks like laundry. On the other hand, some men approach marriage differently, seeking a partner who is intellectually curious, engaged in the world, and pursuing a career alongside them

In relationships, there are couples who strive for power dynamics and assert dominance, while others choose to work together as a team.

At work, there are bosses who unleash their tyranny on their employees.

There are systems that approach the top town model of governance. There are people who approach life as a win-win battle.

And the list goes on and on.

Old systems will inevitably change, giving way to new systems and alternative approaches.

Another example of an old belief is the notion that you have to do everything yourself. For instance, when your car breaks down, you might believe that you must fix it on your own. However, instead of spending valuable time and energy on repairs, you can choose to hire a professional mechanic who can efficiently complete the task within a few hours or days. By delegating the responsibility to someone with the necessary expertise, you can free up your time to focus on more important or fulfilling activities. Recognizing the value of outsourcing and seeking assistance when needed can help overcome the belief that you have to handle every task independently.

Another example is taking your job for granted. As technology rapidly advances, we are witnessing the impending storm of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that may impact various industries and job markets. Instead of simply expressing concerns about AI potentially taking our jobs and leaving us vulnerable, it is crucial to have a meaningful conversation with ourselves about diversifying our income options to ensure readiness. Have we considered developing alternative skill sets or exploring new avenues for income generation? What is our plan if we receive the news that our current job is no longer viable or has been replaced by automation?

Acknowledging the changing landscape and actively preparing for potential shifts in the job market is essential. It involves proactively seeking opportunities to upskill, adapt, and explore different income sources. By being proactive and open to change, we can position ourselves to navigate the impact of AI on the workforce more effectively, mitigating potential risks and finding new avenues for growth and stability. Some of the old beliefs that may hinder your progress include:

• Believing that you need to handle everything on your own.
• Thinking that the only way to earn money is through a traditional 9-5 job.
• Believing that success is solely determined by academic qualifications.
• Thinking that failure is a reflection of personal worth or abilities.
• Believing that one must conform to societal expectations and norms to be accepted.
• Thinking that taking risks is inherently dangerous and should be avoided.
• Believing that you have to work long hours and sacrifice personal well-being for success.
• Thinking that change is always negative and should be avoided.
• Believing that creativity is limited to certain individuals and not a skill that can be developed.
• Thinking that wealth and material possessions are the ultimate indicators of success.
• Believing that past mistakes define future outcomes and cannot be overcome.
• Thinking that self-care and prioritizing personal needs are selfish or indulgent.

In essence, there are people who fear change and those who embrace it. Which category do you fall into? Regardless, the inevitable storm of challenges will come, probably in different forms. How you prepare for it is your choice, and the level of effort you invest is in your hands—the ball is in your court.

Preparing for these challenges requires courage, and unfortunately, courage is often lacking. It also demands resilience, which may not be one of our strongest traits.

Preparing for a “shitstorm” is one of the most important skills you can cultivate. Seneca the Younger speaks of the importance of preparing for the worst-case scenario and practicing fear setting to equip ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead. It takes courage to anticipate what may come our way and engage in mental preparation. Questions like “What would I do if the shitstorm hits?” or “How would I handle certain situations?” prompt us to prepare ourselves financially, emotionally, and in other aspects. Mental preparation is not meant to induce fear or stress, but rather to ready us for change. Sometimes change arrives in unexpected ways. Are we prepared for it? Sometimes the “shitstorm” itself is the path we must navigate, and it is crucial to be prepared.

Developing the courage to confront potential challenges, engaging in mental preparation, and being adaptable to change are essential for effectively navigating difficult situations and emerging stronger on the other side – in case the shitstorm hits and there are times when it’s going to hit!