Why Worry Less When You Can Be Humble?
As young adults navigating the complexities of life, we often find ourselves worrying about the future. Whether it’s about school, relationships, or our burgeoning careers, anxiety seems to be a constant companion. But what if I told you that humility might be the key to reducing this worry?
Humble people worry less because they understand a simple truth: they don’t have control over everything. This isn’t about giving up or not caring; it’s about recognizing the limitations of our influence over life’s events.
Rainer Maria Rilke, a poet, once said, “Life is not even close to being as logically consistent as our worries; it has many more unexpected ideas and many more facts than we do.” This means that life is full of surprises, many of which we cannot predict or prevent. Worrying about every possible outcome is not only exhausting but also futile.
The Midwest Mindset: Hard Work and Humility
Growing up in the Midwest, values like hard work, community, and humility are deeply ingrained in us. Our parents and grandparents often taught us that while it’s important to work hard and strive for success, it’s equally important to stay grounded and humble.
Take farming, for example. A farmer can prepare the land, plant the seeds, and tend to the crops with utmost care, but they cannot control the weather. They know that despite their best efforts, a sudden storm or unexpected drought could change everything. This acceptance of life’s unpredictability is a form of humility that helps reduce worry.
Seneca’s Wisdom: Expect the Unexpected
The philosopher Seneca said, “Nothing happens to the wise man contrary to his expectation.” At first glance, this might seem like the wise are all-knowing. But in reality, it means that wise people understand that anything can happen. They are aware of Murphy’s Law—the idea that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong—and they embrace the absurd randomness of the universe.
For young people, this translates into being open to the unexpected twists and turns that life throws at us. Whether it’s a job offer that falls through or a relationship that doesn’t work out, understanding that these events are part of life’s unpredictable nature can help us remain calm and composed.
Practical Midwest Examples
Consider a young entrepreneur in the Midwest, starting a local business. They might worry about whether their business will succeed, if they will attract enough customers, or if they will face unforeseen challenges. By adopting a humble mindset, they can focus on doing their best work each day without being consumed by the ‘what-ifs’. They know that despite their efforts, external factors like market trends or economic shifts can impact their success.
Or think about a recent college graduate from the Midwest, entering the job market. The job hunt can be stressful, filled with uncertainty and rejection. A humble approach means recognizing that while they can prepare and present themselves well, they cannot control the hiring decisions of employers. Accepting this can reduce the anxiety associated with job hunting.
Letting Go: A Humble Approach to Life
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about the future. But remember, worrying is not only pointless because it rarely changes outcomes, but it’s also arrogant. It assumes that we have the power to foresee and control every detail of our lives.
Instead, embrace humility. Accept that the world has its plans, often beyond our comprehension. Let go of the need to control everything. This doesn’t mean being passive or indifferent; it means being realistic and understanding that life is a mix of our efforts and the unexpected.
Conclusion: Embrace Humility, Reduce Worry
As we go about our lives, let’s strive to be humble. Let’s work hard, stay grounded, and accept the unpredictable nature of life. By doing so, we can reduce our worries and live more peacefully, knowing that we’re doing our best and that the rest is out of our hands.
So next time you feel anxious about the future, take a deep breath and remember: Be humble. Let go. And trust that life will unfold as it should.