The Biggest Jackpot in Life: Birth

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In my opinion, the biggest jackpot in one’s life is birth.

Where are you born?

Are you born in a developed country like Canada, Singapore or Germany? Or are you born in a less developed country like Ghana, Myanmar or Pakistan? This factor alone determines the kind of environment, conditions and opportunities you will be receiving. Developed nations generally provide better education, better healthcare and better opportunities to a newborn since birth. These factors alone not only ensure that you can live through infancy (yes, something I take for granted) but ensures that you are well-equipped with the right resources to better yourself: be it intellectually, emotionally or physically.

Before I explain further, I know that some of us are thinking: Don’t our individual stories, efforts and determination contribute largely to our success & happiness in life? Yes, our hard work sure matters. But statistically, it does not matter as compared to the one big thing where we have no control over:

where we are born

Being born in Singapore, I never thought that I was that fortunate. I was brought up with the mindset that one’s hard work and talent are the only 2 essential factors for success. Work hard and smart.

However, I spent the last 4 months working as an urban farmer in Singapore. I stayed over at the farm, worked with my fellow farmers and ate with them. Many of them are only a couple of years older than me and come from nearby countries like Myanmar, Thailand, India and Bangladesh. They came here in pursuit of a higher paying job so that they can provide for their family back home. Some are even university graduates and gave up their dreams back home to work in a foreign nation for its higher salary.

Here I am, working because I want to, not because I need to. They are working out of necessity while I am working out of experience.

Thus, this difference struck me. It is simply unfair.

Have I worked harder than them? No, clearly not.

While many of them are working under the hot sun during the weekends, I am chasing the NBA playoffs in the comfort of my home. Many of us living in developed nations are after things high on the Maslow hierarchy of needs when many others are still stuck at the bottom.

So, what now?

Yes, I am fortunate. I hit the jackpot. I have a great headstart and environment as compared to many others. Life is unfair. But there is nothing I can do to control where people are born right? Granted, you can’t.

But the first step is to acknowledge that you are fortunate, that you have this unfair advantage. Recognising your inherent luck makes you appreciate your life better. Maybe going to that concert isn’t that important. Maybe I shouldn’t be unhappy because I am not able to afford the latest gadget. Be grateful for your birth.

The second step is to make the best out of this unfair advantage. Make sure that you live your life happily. Since I’m born in Singapore, I can access the vast resources and opportunities my country have to offer. Make sure to use this luck wisely and ensure that you are living life purposefully and happily. Millions are dying to be born in my shoes. Thus, I need to make sure that I am living life to the fullest and there is no excuse not to pursue my passion thoroughly. Fewer complaints on being unlucky or blaming your environment. Instead, work even harder because there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.

The last step is giving back. I may be selfish by putting this step as the last. But I believe that you are only fit enough to help others when you can find happiness in your own life. Provide them quality education, healthcare and infrastructure. Help to change their environment.

Unfortunately, your living conditions are much more determined by what is outside your control — the place and time that you are born into — than by your own effort, dedication, and the choices you have made in life.

Hence, if you are someone living in a developed country reading this, be grateful and live your best life. Don’t waste it.

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