THE WORLD IN CRESCENDO–PART 1

“Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty and dies with chaos.” –Will Durant

OR

“Chaos often breeds life when order breeds habit.” — Henry Adams

Which quote speaks to you?  As the world around you grows at an exponential pace, does the chaos in your world open your life’s possibilities or drive you into seclusion?

Peter Diamandis, co-author of best-selling book Abundance, makes a case that society embraces new technologies opens life’s possibilities. For example, the mobile phone penetration is growing exponentially, from 2 percent in 2000, to 28 percent in 2009, to an expected 70 percent in 2013. A Masai warrior with a smart phone today has better access to world information than President Clinton did only fifteen years ago. In another example, Diamandis describes techno-philanthropists who are using their fortunes to solve global challenges. He then notes that the combination of microfinance, wireless communication technologies and the Internet are transforming the poorest areas of the world into an emerging market force. The unimaginable is now possible in a world where technology is growing at an exponential pace.

The pressure on Americans to keep up with global competition and technological change has an underbelly. Here are some recent facts from the Global Organization for Stress:

• Nearly half of American adults reported that their stress has increased in the past year – American Psychological Association.
• Approximately 1 out of 75 people may experience panic disorder – National Institutes of Mental Health.
• Psychologists say that if U.S. teens between 9th and 12th grade don’t learn healthy ways to manage that stress now, it could have serious long-term health implications – American Psychological Association.
• 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress. — American Institute of Stress.
• Workplace stress is rising in 60% of workers in major global economies, with China having the highest rise in workplace stress (86%)  – The Regus Group

It’s safe to say that the pace of life will only continue to accelerate, so what are the solutions? Stay tuned for some practical tips on how to live in a world in crescendo.