In the 90s, it was fashionable to walk on hot coals. A victory of will over physics? In fact, in an extreme mental state, burning can be postponed. Postponed, not eliminated! What remained was the courage to overcome one's fear. An interesting way to boost lacking self-confidence. No more, no less. The message here is: you can achieve anything if you dare. Where there's a will, there's a way. Is that really the case?
What a wonderful thought for fear-driven control freaks to be able to shape the world through willpower. There have been and still are so many of them. The resulting ideal of omnipotence still shapes some of the demands placed on leader employees today. Something isn't working? Then you didn't want it enough. Try harder! But for every movement there is a counter-movement, a balance and counterweight. Newton's third law: action and reaction. The result? "I didn't succeed. The circumstances were against me. The others or the system won't let me. I'd love to." Sound familiar? Probably. Interesting! Who is right? The cult of personality or belief in the system?
Let's deliberately contrast the extreme poles and play with them. We pack "everything is possible" into America. The person-centered belief that anything can be achieved. The American dream of "from rags to riches" is based on this. In its harshest form, it feeds the delusion of being a creator: actionism, striving for dominance, and narcissism. It is said to be present even among presidents.
"I'd like to, but they won't let me" – let's move to Germany. The German dream of "the system will take care of me" is the mantra of the system's followers. Too much obedience to the system leads to victimhood: to fatalism, indifference, and self-denial.
But what effect do these two extremes have in reality? A practical test: Can Syrians in Aleppo really become whatever they want to be when grenades are exploding left and right? Now it becomes clear: a lack of basic conditions and a non-functioning system lead to coercion, chaos, and destruction. There is no trace of free will. As in Germany after 1945. But with the economic miracle came functioning political and economic systems, and with them freedom and self-determination. The opportunity to shape one's life in a meaningful way. Whereas at that time a few decision-makers created highly hierarchical structures, today adaptable systems support people and vice versa. In short: functioning systems are the prerequisite for feasibility.
Today, the era of the doers is over. The responsibility lies increasingly with the individual. Everyone must decide what they want to contribute to the common good and what they want to think and do to achieve their own success. Spoiled for choice. For some, a horror. For others, a dream. From my point of view, the opportunity to do your own thing has never been greater than it is today. Admittedly, my opinion is certainly somewhat extreme and based on my life as a 90 percent paralyzed, severely disabled person. And yet I repeatedly meet people who limit themselves mentally and always blame others for their failures instead of making meaningful distinctions. That, too, is freedom.
Let's summarize: Systems are a prerequisite for the beginning and end of feasibility. Whether it's politics, economics, resources (physical and psychological!), cultures, or genes. There are clear limits to the influence of an individual. In between lies a vast field of feasibility and influence. Recognize this corridor precisely. Every day anew. That is truly smart and clever. So that everyone can become the best they can be.
Want to learn more? Check out my new video series, “Grundl’s Reasons.” In it, I examine current topics from various perspectives; in this episode, I explore the possibilities and limitations surrounding the“GroKo” negotiations. The grand coalition is the expected outcome of protracted talks. Many people have engaged in intense discussions about the formation of the government—even though they have no influence over it. Are we wasting too much time on things we cannot change?
In the video, I explain how you can use your time wisely in an increasingly complex world. Focus on what you can influence. Then you’ll have enough time.
Yours, Boris Grundl
Image source: ©pixabay – Tomasz_Mikolajczyk
