Form vs Function

Louis Sullivan once wrote:

"It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic,
Of all things physical and metaphysical,
Of all things human and all things super-human,
Of all true manifestations of the head,
Of the heart, of the soul,
That the life is recognizable in its expression,
That form ever follows function. This is the law."

Life is a work of art. Most perfectionist, intelligent, creative-types like me share this opinion. In my past years, I spent most of my energy chiseling out different personas of myself. One for each aspect of my complicated personality. Each one tagged with a label (“son”, “actor”, “engineer”, ”boyfriend“, ”ivy-leaguer“) to make it easier for others to understand me. Each one minimizing the constant battle between my deep-rooted beliefs and my conscious actions. Each one based primarily on my distorted misconceptions of human nature and devoid of my own needs and desires.

During times of weakness, when my vulnerabilities overwhelmed my sensibilities and I was forced to unmask my true nature, I came to the following conclusion:

There is life the way I see it. FORM.

Then there is life the way I live it. FUNCTION.

Prioritizing function over form has definitely helped me discover and focus on my personal needs. As a note, many successful people share this philosophy.

Living by form means embracing sights, sounds, reactions, perceptions, games, money, jargon, and jokes needed to pass the time.

Living by function is embracing all of the actions, steps, instructions, analysis, regimens, diets, habits, hormones, feelings and traditions needed to create a fulfilling life.

Living a life of form we make assumptions.

Living a life of function we make conclusions.

Living a life of form we make mistakes.

Living a life of function we have misunderstandings.

Living a life of form we give into infatuation.

Living a life of function we give into love.

Living a life of form we focus on those who care about us.

Living a life of function we focus on those who we care about.

Living a life of form we create and destroy.

Living a life of function we maintain.

Living a life of form we ask “Where am I going?”

Living a life of function we ask “How do I get there?”

Living a life of form we ask “Who can help me?”

Living a life of function we ask “Why would he help me?”

Living a life of form we ask “When am I going to leave my job?”

Living a life of function we ask “Why am I still working here?”

Once we decide to prioritize the function of life over form, we start to take action by challenging, interacting and engaging the people and events around us. Through experience, we get a better sense of our strengths and weaknesses as well as our place in the world. We start taking responsibility for our actions and build the emotional fortitude necessary to move forward. Furthermore, we build confidence within ourselves, earn respect from others, and learn how to nurse our dreams to the point where we actively change the world around us.

However, it all starts with the willing sacrifice of shutting out those sensory distractions long enough to truly understand our psyche.

Making major life decisions

If you're anything like me, at some point in the past you may have found it difficult making life-altering decisions. Either you couldn't rely on advice of friends/family or felt you couldn't put all the pros and cons together to make an informed choice. Regardless, you felt lost, unmotivated, and frustrated. If you're the type of person who can argue both sides of any issue, has a close connection to your family, avoids conflict like the plague, or has a problem with commitment, this post is for you.

I want to talk about a specific type of monumental choice. One warranting deep, introspective reflection and thought(e.g. changing religion or switching careers). First off, I only want to talk about choices that are solely yours to make. The outcome should only directly affect you. Secondly, the results should be totally unpredictable. If you are satisfied at all, you may only feel partially content with the outcome. Also, the problem should not be life-threatening. It should come from a certain restlessness or need for you to grow as a person.

Here are several strategies for making character-building choices:

1)Make mistakes on your own terms. Making a long-shot decision based on your personal beliefs, may be a complete mistake, but at least it will build up your self-esteem in that you'll learn to stand by your convictions.

2)Do the opposite. I'm a big fan of this strategy. Whenever you don't have the time to decide, take the risk. Choose the path less traveled and embark on an experience you've never tried before.

3)Follow your heart. Stay in touch with you emotions. Try creating an inventory of emotional memories. Remember the last time your were angry, frustrated, elated and depressed? What thoughts were going on in your mind? What constructive actions did you want to take? Why not go through with them?

4)Don't think too much. If you find yourself thinking in circles, there's probably an emotional element that you're not taking into consideration. Take time out. Meditate. Come to terms with your emotions and clear your mind. You'll feel better.

5)Isolate yourself. Don't worry about making choices that others might disapprove of. This is a truly personal matter. Justifying a personal choice to others is a waste of precious mental energy. In my experience, the people who don't listen to you or can't/don't understand your actions, are not going to be emotionally supportive anyway.

6)Make a multiple plans. If Plan A doesn't work, try plan B. If you can't make a choice, try all of them. If you have the time and money, why not?

7)What would a person you love and admire do? Most people have someone they respect, but if you're lucky enough to have someone you regard with awe and wonder, look at the way they live their lives. Note: Be careful not to compare yourself to this person. Comparing yourself to another and admiring a person are two different things. One is a self-aggrandizing/self-deprecating mental checklist while the other is a positive emotional connection.


Remember:
Take action, learn from your mistakes, take responsibility for yourself, but most importantly stay focused!