There are two hidden hands that govern our human society – economy and language. It might sound a bit cryptic at first, but bear with me because understanding these two powerful forces could unlock a whole new realm of possibilities for you. Picture this: shaping your life game around these two concepts can turn you into an almost unstoppable force at whatever you do. Brace yourself, because you’re on the brink of achieving feats way beyond what your imagination can fathom.
Economy is probably the most innovative term that human beings have ever invented. Seriously, think about it. From the moment you wake up, reaching for that morning coffee, to the time you hit the hay at night, the concept of economy is woven into the fabric of your everyday life.
Just consider your morning routine. The coffee you enjoy may have traveled from a distant country, involving a whole network of farmers, exporters, and importers – that’s the global economy in action. The money you use to pay for your coffee is a part of the economic system that enables transactions and trade.
As you go about your day, whether you’re working, shopping, or hanging out with friends, you’re participating in the economy. Your job contributes to the production of goods or services, and when you spend money, you’re supporting businesses, big or small. Even something as simple as sharing resources at home – like deciding who gets to use the TV or who gets the last piece of pizza – involves a kind of ‘domestic economy.’
So, from your morning coffee to your evening plans, the concept of economy weaves through your day, influencing decisions, interactions, and the way the world works. It’s like the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of our daily lives.
When you examine a bit closer, you will find that the economy operates on the fundamental principle of value exchange—a cornerstone of this game called life. This premise, rooted in the well-known principle of supply versus demand, extends into every aspect of our daily lives, even those aspects we don’t usually think about, like interpersonal communication.
You don’t have to look far to see that the world is filled with people who excel at talking, especially in the age of booming social media. As of the page’s writing, there are over 200 million content creators worldwide. The year 2023 signifies a remarkable 53% increase from 2021, and an astonishing 11 times the figures recorded in 2016. Notably, there has been a discernible shift in the goals and ambitions of Generation Z compared to their predecessors. According to a survey, one in four Gen Z individuals across the US envisions a career as a social media influencer. Furthermore, 16% express a willingness to invest in becoming an influencer.
However, there’s a crucial deficit—the world is longing for individuals who possess the skill of genuine listening. Consider this: as a human, when was the last time you truly felt heard? For a business executive, when did you last feel truly understood? And as a mental health worker, when was the last time you truly felt genuinely empathized with? The answers to these questions are likely not very promising.
In this modern era, a fundamental human need is consistently overlooked: the most desirable yet unmet need in human history—being heard, felt, and understood. This, essentially, is love, isn’t it? So, listening is highly prized, while talking is not. I believe that by mastering the art of listening, you’ll become the most desirable man or woman wherever you go.
ICF coaches, you have immense value to offer the world. Your skill in active listening is in high demand in today’s society. People are yearning for your service, so embrace the opportunity to make a profound difference in their lives. Be the embodiment of empathy, understanding, and positive change as you go forth and impact the lives of those around you!
