What Separates Us From The Animals
Living in the Moment
Animals, like my raven friend Maverick, live completely in the present. Maverick enjoys soaring on updrafts and flipping upside down just for fun, without overanalyzing his actions. In contrast, humans struggle to stay present. We obsess over the past, drowning in guilt, or fixate on the future, paralyzed by worry. But as Dr. Michael Beckwith wisely noted, “Worrying about the future is like paying interest on money you haven’t borrowed.” The past is gone, and the future is pure imagination—yet many of us spend more time in these illusions than in reality.
Our Greatest Power
The key difference between humans and animals is our ability to think beyond circumstances. We can visualize the future, set goals, and shape our reality. This cognitive ability has allowed us to build civilizations and make remarkable progress. However, when we live unconsciously—reacting from fear rather than intention—we give up this power. Instead of creating the future we desire, we let our anxieties shape our reality.
Why the World is a Mess
If humans are so powerful, why is there so much suffering? The problem is that we operate on autopilot, letting subconscious fears dictate our actions. When something unexpected happens, our minds jump to worst-case scenarios. A minor pain becomes a cancer diagnosis in our imagination, and soon, we’re mentally casket shopping. This habit of catastrophizing is not reality—it’s a misuse of our powerful visualization skills.
Creating Your Future
To truly harness our power, we must be intentional about our future. What unique contributions are you meant to make? What do you truly desire? Self-discovery is key to aligning with your highest potential. Instead of reacting to fear, you can consciously create a meaningful life by focusing on your vision, not just survival instincts.
As a human, you have an extraordinary ability—independent thought. Use it to design the life you want, not to dwell on past regrets or imagined fears. Your future is yours to shape.
[Begin your journey at thelistmethod.com/workbook.]
