In my social circles – which mostly consist of middle-class Millennials and Gen-Xers in California and Europe – I’ve observed two predominant life approaches: The first is goal-driven and money-focused, aiming to optimize every moment, rapidly accumulate life experiences, and pursue constant self-improvement. The other is characterized by disillusionment, a sense of futility in effort, and diminished life expectations, stemming from a belief that the world is too flawed for them to succeed regardless of their actions – so they might as well just check out and indulge their vices.

These perspectives, although contrasting, share an inward-looking, self-serving nature, and a noticeable lack of depth. 

In my mind, the missing piece is gratitude. Integrating gratitude into our pursuits can transform our goals and actions, guiding our productivity as a means to honor the gift of life through our actions and commitments.

We, especially in the developed world, enjoy a level of luxury and opportunity unparalleled in history. Despite the drama and divisiveness often depicted in the media, we are, statistically, living in an era of remarkable prosperity and equality.

I argue that we should see our era’s opportunities as a call to action, an invitation to fully engage with the extraordinary lives we’ve been given. It isn’t just about personal success; it’s about honoring the legacy of human progress.

Action, in this context, extends beyond service – though of course helping others is a clear opportunity. But it’s also about striving in all aspects of life. Those fortunate enough to have resources, health, or talents have a duty to maximize these gifts. This means committing to personal growth, professional diligence, character development, and even athletic goals.

This investment in ourselves is symbolic, but also fuels our ability to serve. A person with a love of learning, commitment to developing character, a strong body, and deep social skills is more equipped to sustainably help others. Even financial stability and professional success further empower one to give back through philanthropy and active engagement.

Leveraging our advantages is not just an opportunity; it’s a moral imperative. It involves recognizing our gifts and striving to reach our potential, in homage to the chances we’ve been given. 

Viewed through this lens, productivity becomes a joy, and even the mundane work in our lives seems like a vocation. We become relentlessly productive because we are committed to developing ourselves into people who are both capable of service and worthy of the opportunity to serve.