By Think carefully. Sit down, in a quiet room with no screens, and think about what it is that truly makes you happy.
For most people, the answer is not money.
Yet, most people will say money as the immediate answer, the one they give without thinking, if you ask them.
Why does this happen?
Because society trains us to want ‘stuff’. We want the latest mobile phone, computer, first class plane tickets, nice cars, big houses and all this ‘stuff’.
This ‘stuff’ is often more detrimental to our happiness than not having it. It’s baggage that has to be carried around with you.
Have you ever seen someone, or been, inconsolably upset when something like a bed or sofa breaks in a house move?
Why was that person upset? Yes, it may mean an uncomfortable few months if you can’t afford another straight away, but… ultimately… some fabric and wood has broken. It’s not the end of the world, there’s plenty more where that came from.
People get upset because they invest emotions into the ‘stuff’ they buy.
My advice… don’t.
Stuff is just, well, stuff. You can always get it again.
Instead you should be investing your emotion into things you love, things that matter, like your friends, family and lifestyle.
One of my friends, Mark, is a travel photo-journalist. And a damn good one at that.
He’s been doing it for over two decades, and it’s what makes him truly happy.
Does he make a lot of money? No.
Does he have a lot of stuff? No, everything fits into one bag.
Does he have a relaxing and fulfilled life? Yes.
You haver never met someone more at peace with the world, and themselves, than Mark. Every day is based on what happens, happens. He’s always waiting for a story, but never looking, because stories are around us everywhere if we open ourselves to them.
If you want to write a story about Taiwan, then all you need to do is be in Taiwan, and be aware of what’s happening around you.
The best stories are the little moments that happen on every street, every single day.
These are the stories that people can connect with, these are the stories that people want to listen to.
If you’re struggling to find stories to tell in your marketing, then just get away from your computer, leave your phone at home, and walk the streets being aware of everything that’s happening around you.
Michael
What do you think?