So I’m standing in the ocean…

I’m standing in the ocean from a perspective where all you can see is water. No people, no cars, no buildings, no technology. Just water…

In a world where material things surround you, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. We often center our life around a pursuit of the material, disregarding people and conditions around us. I’ve done it myself. Looking out into the endless abyss of ocean, it dawned on me...

If the only thing that existed on Earth was me and the ocean, what would be most important?

I thought about how lonely it would be if it were just me, and then thought about the people I love to be around and those I sometimes struggle to love. It wouldn’t make a difference to me as long as they were there. I would value them more despite our areas of disagreement, simply because I would know the world is much bigger than myself.

I thought about my favorite places to go and the places I want to go. No matter the distance or challenge, I would make an attempt to go there. Simply to see something other than ocean and if nothing else, a motivation in life. I would observe and try to learn the new environment, searching for patterns that may exist like the movement of waves in the ocean. I would accept it for what it was and make note of the difference in the event I stumble upon a new territory. And that’s it.

So where do these material things come into play?

If I discovered someone other than myself, because of the value I have for another person, I would use anything I could find to help that person. Make sure they are healthy, make sure they are fed, care for them; because I want them around. My life would lose meaning if everything I did on this lifeless world was to care about me.

If I discovered the possibility of a new location , I would use materials or resources to get there. How much more perspective could I gain by having the means to observe new territories more frequently or with greater ease?

So never make it about the material things; those are cool. Make it about the people and the experiences.

That’s what the materials are for. Material things mean nothing without people and new experiences that lead to new perspectives. Material things are not just for your benefit, but to help others. Material things can help give you access to new experiences, which is icing on the cake if you can share those experiences with someone else. So never make it about the material things; those are cool. Make it about the people and the experiences.

What is defined as material as it relates to our world?

Resources, tools, matter with a purpose. I believe there is not one thing that exists on Earth that does not have a purpose. Dirt and sand for example. We walk on it everyday and subconsciously or consciously devalue it. Imagine if soil or sand did not exist?

Connect with people, discover the problems, and keep your eyes open for a chance to create a new experience.

When you create software products, they become material. They become a resource or tool for people. What’s the purpose of your product? How does your product help someone or create opportunity for new experiences? If you can’t answer these, it’s likely that your product hasn’t materialized yet. Connect with people, discover the problems, and keep your eyes open for a chance to create a new experience.

Then your product will find purpose and make the world a better place, for you and those around you.