Right now, you are probably asking yourself, “What the hell is going on and what can I do about it?”
The first rule of self-examination and self-realization is to never ask a two-part question. The answer to the former part is supposed to lead to a solution for the latter part. It usually does not work that way.
For example: The “going on” question could be about—but not limited to—Covid, the election, the war in Europe, or and the economy. These are broad topics and therefore, the proper answer to the second part would be “Nothing. Move along. Nothing to see here.” We are all insignificant cogs in the Great Wheel of the Universe, and it is better if we concern ourselves with breakfast, lunch, and dinner as much as we can.
If our opinion and action are needed on those issues, someone much higher up the cosmic food chain will let us know. Do not hold your breath waiting for the call.
It has been my experience that when you ask yourself any question along the lines of what you can or should be doing, it is best to frame that question in terms of needing to provide protection and provision (read prosperity) for you and your family.
My first thought-question when the eventual zombie apocalypse begins—because I am not really a good person—will not be “How can I save humanity?” I will ask myself “How can I save my own skin?” The second question will be, “How can I make some money from it?” Protection and provision.
We are taught that we as individuals are special. We are not special at all at least in terms of The Collective. The Western honeybee lives for 30 to 60 days, producing 1 tablespoon of honey in its lifetime. One tablespoon. A honeybee hive usually has between 20,000 and 80,000 bees made up of one queen and several hundred drones (males), and tens of thousands of female worker bees. The queen lives for two to five years. Only the Queen is genuinely special and counts for something…at least for a couple of years.
Fortunately, we do not have to be just drones and worker bees even if we can’t be “Queens.” But to do that we have to go against society and be selfish; selfish meaning not depending on others.
In nature, organisms that depend on others are called parasites. There is dramatic difference between symbiotic relationships where people, animals, and plants help each other. Hookworms, lice, mosquitoes, and vampire bats are parasites. You and your employer or your own company and its employees live in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship.
However, your ultimate objective and purpose should be as complete financial independence as possible.
“What is going on?” Pick any topic and the answer is the same. Increasing chaos. “What can I do?” Invest to take advantage of it whether it is stock market, cryptos, commodities, or a siomai kiosk.
You cannot, must not, wait for the storm to pass because the eye of the storm is not even near yet. Buy umbrellas, lots of umbrellas, and also rubber boots to protect your family and sell the excess for provision.
But to do that you must educate yourself about “umbrellas” so that you are your own expert and are not depending on others for knowledge either. Mall traffic is building even as supermarkets are empty because of people using delivery services. So, put your siomai kiosk at the mall, not the supermarket, and take advantage of the malls offering reduced rental rates.
Certain commodity prices are making cryptos look like a boring investment for old ladies. Both require knowledge but commodities have a much higher risk/reward potential. The stock market for many issues is surprisingly cheap and winners are easier to spot when the broad market is sickly.
“Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’” Be a warrior.