Most of the friends, classmates and colleagues whom I’ve interacted with on campus over the last three years have a vision for what they want to do in life. Some of these ideas are more general than others, but somehow, everyone wants to make an impact on the world.
There’s the environmental studies major who wants to teach the basics of sustainability to kids in school. There’s the one studying international studies who plans to go to law school to eventually practice immigration law and legally represent minority populations. There’s the human physiology major who sees a future in physical therapy, specifically with older populations. There’s even the business major who vaguely foresees traveling and participating in the world’s economy.
Whatever our passions and areas of focus may be, by some means, the work we do later in life will make some sort of impression on the world. Many will decide to leave a larger mark than others, but what I think is most important is to create action with our plans, no matter how small and insignificant it might be.
I see people holding back on their ideas and keeping their passions cooped up inside of them because of the safety net we often fall back on, which is this concept of “long-term.” But why can’t some long-term goals become short-term?
We don’t need to hold back our ideas out of fear or laziness — we can creatively take action.
Now, this isn’t your usual how-to list that’s fit for future-you. This is some advice fit for present-you — for the you that’s about to get out of bed, close out of Netflix, fold your computer, unplug it from the charger since it has full battery, dust the crumbs off your chest and put some pants on. Allow this list to serve as an uplifting and energy-inducing agent that lets you see the endless possibilities of the world.
Here are some ways to instantly and creatively act on big-picture ideas:
– Art. Art comes in many forms, as do our plans in life. Making pieces personal and representative of what or whom you stand for isn’t too hard. Many felt the need to make visual statements after momentous events, like the Arab Spring. Its vision for a more peaceful world shined through in its street art approach. Another example of a popular public art movement is the anonymous Banksy. But art isn’t necessarily paintings, drawings or graffiti. The concept of art as action could occur through text and music too. So many people find escape through written art, though you can deliver the message you want to be heard and find power in words.
– Research and education. Since we’re in school already, why not make an issue or a cause that you’re passionate about be the subject of a class assignment? With the work you put into researching this topic and immersing yourself into the fundamentals and history of it, you are: a) gaining a deeper understanding of something you want to act on, b) getting your schoolwork done and c) equipping yourself with information to pass on to others.
– Organized groups. You can start small with this. The University of Oregon houses more than 200 student clubs and organizations that are there for you to join. From the environment, to LGBTQA matters, to multicultural topics and politics, there are a number of categories that you can find to be passionate about. If you don’t, start your own group! Or, go bigger. Reach out to Eugene’s regional community for topic-specific organizations. Since we belong to a very vocal, liberal city, it will be easier to find groups that tend to lean left. If the Eugene bubble feels suffocating rather than inspiring, this is when national and international efforts are worth looking into and joining. Many large-scale organizations have smaller sectors sprinkled around the country — you just have to find them.
– Dialogue. Your grade school teachers weren’t wrong when they said you’d feel better if you just talk things through. It’s true. Find ways and pockets of people to discuss the topics that don’t make their way into everyday small talk. So many issues that we want to take action on, to help people or things to not suffer, are often difficult or unsettling to talk about with others. But comfortable or not, creating spoken word about the things in life you are most passionate about will raise awareness and create an impactful dialogue.