We Are Connecting

This past weekend I found myself in an interesting conversation about Apartheid. While I didn’t know much about it, I had the privilege to listen to someone who experienced it first hand. As they explained their struggles facing the government enforced racial segregation, it made me think of how nice I’ve had it being brought up in Canada.

As I reflected more on the story and the issue in general I began to see something interesting. Is it just me, or does there to seem to be a trend throughout history of people building greater connections?

From globalization to the diminishing of racism, people have been fighting challenges to fight for equal connection. Even more recent history shows this ever increasing trend with the explosion of social media tools that have connected us like never before. A few years back, Facebook was the platform used to organize my elementary school reunion, something that probably would have never happened without it. Further to that, I’ve begun meeting some incredible people off Twitter.

So what does this mean? Why are we beginning to connect like never before?

In my opinion, it’s because that is the only way the world will work. I believe the game we’re in right now is to reach a connection level like never before, where everyone realizes we’re all equal yet unique.

We’re equal in the sense that we all bleed red. We’re all human. We all have stories that each of us can all relate to.

We’re unique in the sense that each of us has a passion that drives us. It’s something that defines our position in this game.

So doing the ‘math’, if we all realize this equality and discover this passion, we will then develop an intense amount of synergy. In the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey talks about synergy as this productive ability to collaboratively create unique solutions (opportunities) to challenges that exist.

Let’s use the analogy of a puzzle….

Imagine each of us is a piece in this gigantic puzzle we call life. We are all unique and fit uniquely into a certain place within the puzzle. Without out us in that place, the puzzle just can’t be completed. What’s happening right now is people are so busy looking out for themselves short-term, they run around the trying to find/force their place on their own. They get tired and frustrated and end up either just staying on the side (apathy) or force themselves to fit into a section they’re not meant to be in (ego).

Once we realize we’re all an equal piece of this puzzle yet unique in our shape, synergy will kick in. We will start helping each other find our true place in the puzzle. We will connect on a deeper level to understand one another and help each other find out where to go in the puzzle where we belong. Then, and only then, will have a chance to complete the puzzle.

So how do we do it? How do we start finding our place in the puzzle?

• Figure out your passion!
  Your passion can’t be found on your own. You need others to help you see what it may be. Only you will be able to tell what it is, and while the answers lie within, the clues exist on the outside. If we had the ability to completely figure out our passion on our own, we wouldn’t need anyone else… and well we’re surround by 7+ billion others.
• Connect with others!
  This stems from the first point, but yea basically go out and connect with others. Share stories, share struggles, share ideas, brainstorm, learn, grow, SYNERGIZE!!!
• Don’t settle for anything but your place in the puzzle!
  I’ve made a commitment to all those in my life that I will always encourage you to find your place in the puzzle (your greatness). If you’re in my company I will give you as many clues as I can so you can figure out the answers. Why? Because my passion is to help you discover yours. My place in this puzzle is to guide others to their place. If I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t be playing my part in life. I’d be robbing myself of greatness.
• Never Give Up!
  In my eyes, giving up on finding your place is like giving up on life. It’s settling for good instead of striving for great. It’s meaningless and I believe I crime to humanity (I know that’s a bit strong, but it’s true!)