Don't be an NPC

"NPC" stands for "Non-Player Character" and was originally used to describe characters in video games who kind of just hover around and do nothing. In gen-z slang, it's often used as a metaphor to describe someone who is perceived as lacking independent thought or personal agency.

It keeps happening.

I walk into my apartment complex's gym, and there are a bunch of sweaty people working out in the dark, with the fans off.

The first person walks in and thinks, "dang, the lights and fans are off today" and proceeds with their workout.

Each subsequent person walks in and thinks, "dang, the lights and fans are off today" and proceeds with their workout.

The gym eventually reaches a critical mass of healthy, intelligent people, sweating profusely in the dark.

There's a full panel of switches, in plain sight, immediately beside the door as you walk in.

It's a silly story, but it illustrates a deeper truth.

You can impact the world around you.

Most people default to passivity.

They believe they have far less agency and ability to influence the world around them than they do.

Don't be like them.

Stop deferring to the crowd. The crowd is dumb.

If you see a problem, instead of shrugging and going with the flow, train yourself to stop and think.

Maybe you can be the person to turn on the lights & fans. To solve problems for others.

So go flick some switches. Experiment. Make things happen.

Strive to bend the world around you in some tiny (or large) way. You can have an impact.