EARLIER this month, a German friend named Oppy visited Malaysia. We first met in the early 90s, when both of us were still university students and national judo competitors in our respective countries.
Naturally, we talked a lot about judo and how it has changed over the years. We also talked about our jobs since we were no longer students or judo competitors.
Although our professional careers took different paths, there are some aspects that we have in common. He’s a full-time Economics teacher in a public university. I have a degree in Economics and teach part-time at a private college (although it’s journalism that I teach, not Economics).
Oppy told me about his approach to teaching – he doesn’t just lecture about Economic theory and principles, he also makes it a point to share real-life lessons with his students. I, in contrast, tend to stick to the topic at hand and this is what I did throughout much of this past semester for my course on “Integrated Media Publishing”.
The course just ended last weekend. For my final lecture, I decided to adopt Oppy’s approach and give my students – who are graduating this semester – some real-world advice that has nothing to do with journalism but will benefit them greatly.
I told them about an American survey that asked senior citizens what they would do differently if they could relive their lives. The researchers found three themes that kept cropping up:
-- Take more risks
-- Be more thoughtful
-- Do things of significance
I elaborated on each of the themes, starting with taking risks. Human beings are not only creatures of habit but are also, by nature, risk averse. Taking risks means getting out of your comfort zone. But how can you progress unless you are willing to do that?
“If you’re in your 20s and you’re risk-averse, imagine what you’ll be like in your 30s, or worse still, in your 40s, 50s or 60s,” I warned. “Few people at the end of their lives will look back and say ‘I wish I was more prudent’. Most will regret that they weren’t more daring.”
Next, about being thoughtful. How often do you see people actually take the time to ponder about the things they do? Let’s face it, most people do things as a matter of course, without thinking. Is it any wonder that many people find their work – and indeed their lives – to be unfulfilling?
“Whatever you do – whatever activity it may be – be mindful and think about what it is you are doing; why you are doing it; whether it’s something worth doing in the first place; and if so, whether there’s a better way to do it. And if not, whether you should consider doing something else,” I advised.
Lastly, about doing something significant. I quoted author Daniel Pink who said a great life involves “using your strengths, understanding what it is that makes you unique, realising the truest expression of who you are – and doing that persistently in the service of something larger than yourself”.
Doing “something larger than yourself” might sound grandiose, like leaving some kind of legacy for the world. It could mean that, but it could also mean teaching a kid some useful skills that will improve his life. Or doing charitable work that will ease the suffering of the less fortunate. Or writing a blog that will give comfort, insight or inspiration to others.
Doing such things wholeheartedly, I told my students, will give them more meaning, satisfaction and fulfilment than any monetary or materialistic gain ever could.
I left them with this parting advice: “Whatever significant activity you decide to take on, do it with care, love and devotion. Sink your teeth into it and embrace it with complete abandon. For one of the great unwritten rules of life is that in order to truly find yourself, you must first lose yourself – to your chosen endeavour.”
- Onn Yeoh
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