Ever since I was young, my father (who is of Persian heritage) has instilled in me a deep respect for our Middle Eastern culture. Whether it was our various trips to Persian restaurants, in which we sampled Iranian delicacies – or the countless hours my father and I spent raving like lunatics in front of our television at the Iranian national soccer teams’ many heartbreaking moments – my father always thought it important to expose me to some of the finer points of our heritage, our culture.
Some 20 years later, these moments are not forgotten – but rather repeated. Every time I find myself on vacation I am constantly searching for the nearest Persian restaurant – and continue to track Iranian soccer from afar on a consistent basis. My dad taught me that these are but some of the things that are important to us, as people and as Persians.
Culture is defined as “The sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another.” Culture is transmitted, Culture is learned. Culture can be taught by some, and caught by others. Culture transcends age gaps, generations of time, and social barriers – allowing people to uniquely identify within a specific group. Culture is a breeding ground for ideas and concepts to live, breathe and expand.
As I’ve grown up, come to develop my own beliefs, and experience the world for myself – I can’t help but wonder sometimes, what is the culture of my life? What are the attitudes and beliefs that have been instilled in me that I continue to foster – that I allow to shape my perspective in regards to my career, my relationships and my life. How is culture affecting my everyday? My future? Whether you realize it or not – culture is shaping your life, one idea at a time. Which begs an important question – What kind of culture are you creating? Here are 3 areas that Culture is currently affecting your life:
1. Culture and my life
Your life right now as you know it – wasn’t always this way. Your education, your path – even your current employment can be a result of the culture your life has created. Maybe the culture of your life is one that desires and craves experience – so you’ve travelled the globe, held many jobs – hoping to gain and gather as much experience as possible. Personally, I’ve strived to create a culture in my life where people are the priority. I want to always have time for the people in my life, and make time for new people to enter my life constantly. Practically what does that culture look like? That means that people become a priority for me – I may turn down other things that might fill my schedule. Perhaps I need to pencil in specific times to certain relationships in order to see them flourish. If the culture of my life is to make people a priority, I believe that my actions will be a byproduct of that. What do you want to be the culture of your life? How is it affecting your career?
2. Culture and my friends/family
Part of the culture that I’ve tried to create, is one in which relationships are celebrated. One of my absolute favourite things to do is celebrate a birthday. Whether it’s a night on the town, or a small gathering in my living room – seeing the special moments in my close friends/families’ lives celebrated is important to me. As a result – that’s carried itself out in multiple hosting opportunities, many nights out at restaurants, and many good memories. I may find my bank account has taken a hit, and my energy levels low after a great night out – but those things pale in comparison to what matters to me, people. My culture embraces celebration, and makes sure that these things are celebrated. How is your culture affecting your relationships?
3. Culture and my future
Here’s a big one. A large part of the culture I’ve chosen to adopt, is to always believe that the best is yet to come. That may sound like a cliché, or a great lofty concept – but the truth is, if you’re going to aim for something, why not aim high? Always believing that the best is still to come allows me to frame my future. It means that I am always pushing myself for the best in my career, the best relationships, the best for my financial security, and the best for those around me. That doesn’t guarantee a perfect life, but it allows me to create opportunities for a fulfilled one. By choosing the culture I allow in my life, I am choosing to frame my future with the best possible lens. Is the culture of your life breeding a bright future?
Cheers,
Matthew Sanjari
CEO // PRIME Consulting
Marketing, Leadership and Business Consulting
goprime.ca