Don't Worry About the Future

1. The Future is Yours

In today’s world, there’s a noticeable divide: young people are often excited and hopeful about the future, while older generations tend to be more anxious. It’s time to change this mindset. Instead of letting fears or technology overwhelm us, we should face the future with confidence and optimism. If you find yourself worrying about what lies ahead, it’s often a sign of lacking self-belief and imagination. Even though we don’t have all the answers, it’s the younger generation that will find the solutions and shape the future.

Let’s rewind 18 years. Back then, we had no money and no advanced technology. Essentially, we had nothing to lose. We had a strong belief that e-commerce and the internet would revolutionise the world, so we decided to dive in. Despite scepticism from many successful individuals of that time, we embraced these emerging technologies. Now, after 10 to 20 years, we’ve become experts in our field. This journey illustrates a powerful lesson: the future is brimming with opportunities, especially for those who dare to take risks and think outside the box.

2. Focus on Your Own Path

It’s easy to get bogged down by the concerns of others, particularly those in high positions like presidents or prime ministers. But it’s essential to focus on your own journey and aspirations. Everyone faces their own set of challenges; if you don’t concentrate on your own goals and growth, you risk becoming overwhelmed by global issues that are beyond your control. Instead of stressing over what others are worried about, direct your energy towards achieving personal success. Think about how you can excel in your career, pursue meaningful work, and contribute positively to the world around you.

Your path is unique to you. The key is to identify what drives you, set clear goals, and work diligently towards them. By focusing on your own growth, you can make a significant impact and overcome the obstacles that come your way.

3. Embrace Technological Change

Don’t be afraid that technology will render human jobs obsolete. History shows that while new technologies can disrupt existing jobs, they also create a wealth of new opportunities. For instance, when the steam engine was first introduced, people feared it would lead to massive job losses. Instead, it eventually created even more jobs. The same pattern can be seen with electricity and now artificial intelligence (AI). While AI might displace some jobs in the short term, it will also lead to the creation of new types of employment in the long run.

Machines may be faster, stronger, and smarter than humans, but they lack the creativity, wisdom, and emotional intelligence that define us. Humans have unique qualities such as beliefs, feelings, and the ability to think deeply—traits that machines cannot replicate. To prepare for the future, focus on developing skills that complement and enhance these human traits. Creativity, innovation, and problem-solving are areas where humans excel. As you learn and grow, ask yourself if the skills you’re acquiring make you more inventive, more innovative, or help you build something meaningful.

4. Turn Challenges into Opportunities

When others are consumed by worry, it often signals that opportunities are on the horizon. Technological advancements are unstoppable, and worrying about them won’t change their course. Over the past 18 years, I’ve faced numerous challenges without letting despair take over. Instead of succumbing to difficulties, I’ve learned to stay positive and use challenges as stepping stones to success. The real key is to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Remember, achieving success is rarely easy or free. It requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I’ve spent nearly two decades building what we have today, overcoming countless obstacles along the way. Last year alone, I spent 867 hours travelling by plane, and my team worked tirelessly alongside me. There are no shortcuts to success. You must think differently, act boldly, and be prepared to face challenges head-on. If everyone agrees that an idea is excellent, it might be worth questioning. If an idea seems difficult, it’s worth exploring further.

Consider every challenge as a valuable lesson. Graduating from school is just the beginning. The real test begins when you step out of academia and into the world. This is when you’ll truly start to apply what you’ve learned and face the complexities of real life.