Words without action don't do any good
If you want to achieve something, the most important 'resource' is the right people. Without the right people, the goal will never be reached.
I want to build a future for my people, not just talk about building it. Hence, no more wasting time on people unwilling to roll up their sleeves. In the end, the working community is the only one that matters.
Robust beginnings
If you surround yourself with the wrong people, they will drag you down. Being a duty-driven person with the will and ability to serve our cause always leaves you susceptible to exploitation, whether conscious or unconscious. The very thing that makes you an excellent warrior is also what potentially hampers you. Therefore, you must constantly ensure that your starting foundation is healthy and robust, enabling you to dedicate yourself and focus on serving your community.
Many individuals involved in the theory and practice of personal development argue that one must find happiness and direction in life independent of everyone else. This approach is considered the only way to develop genuine strength. This philosophy guided me until recently when I discarded it. It is evident that my happiness and strength will always be tied to others. Considering that man is not an island and exists within a specific context, how could it be otherwise? Can anyone truly shut that off? No, the key lies in choosing contexts where you can thrive.
So, actively seek out and surround yourself with people who work, build, and create. Discard anyone who merely wastes your time.
Yes, James was right
One individual who understood this was James, the brother of Jesus. His letters in the New Testament serve as a manual for anyone wishing to see their efforts bear fruit. Anyone realizing that merely "discussing problems or fantasizing about the future" won't instigate change can embrace James' perspective as a litmus test. For instance, I plan to adhere to this in the future.
I am finished with carrying people, and what I will demand from everyone around me is to "show me your faith through action." James articulates it as follows:
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
This marks the end of the conversation. I no longer wish to hear non-committal words, just concrete plans paired with action. That is the sole acceptable approach. Frankly, it is insulting to anyone who puts in the work to have their time consumed with nonsense.
James continues:
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looked like."
By all means, be a "listener" if that is your preference. I have no interest in dictating someone else's life. What I want to emphasize is that in my life, there's room only for the "doers of the word". I lack the time and patience to indulge in a dream that culminates in nothing more than a fleeting sense of achievement.
Plan and act. Or step aside. Be aware that by the time action is taken, it might already be too late. James recognized this and noted:
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
Therefore, do not postpone until tomorrow what you can accomplish today. And if you do procrastinate, the blame lies solely with you. As for me, I will steer clear of anyone exhibiting procrastinating tendencies because I am determined to realize my visions for a brighter future.
I refuse to waste time validating someone who evidently has no plans to address the situation they are daydreaming away from. I will be straightforward about it, announcing it loud and clear. There is no time to squander.
When you surround yourself with the right individuals, sharing each other's burdens and jointly sacrificing for the common ideals you aspire to - with people who act instead of merely talking - you feel good. There is delight in that community. Joy fosters joy, action yields results, and encourages a more robust endeavor. A group functioning in this manner will be blessed, attributed to the work they accomplish.
Advice for those without drive
Lastly, a few words for those who acknowledge their lack of drive. Good on you for realizing it. It honors you. Now, make the decision to join the ranks. Contribute your labor and follow orders. Then, you will have a place in the community.
Those who have been following my work know that I am set on building a nation here on the fringes of the Tiveden forest. And I am determined to do so with individuals who are doers. This is the only viable way. A brief look across Europe is enough to comprehend that what we are undertaking is far from a farce. If you aren't serious, don't bother.
At times, I feel an urge to shout, "Stop dreaming". But that seems too harsh. I acknowledge that dreams form the basis for thoughts that can spur action. Without the dream, the thought cannot manifest, and change remains elusive. So, continue dreaming, but also commit to consistently taking steps, even small ones daily, towards realizing that dream. When you do, I would be more than willing to collaborate with you. / 14