Investing in Life with True Values

By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI

Life is a journey filled with choices. Every second, we are faced with various decisions that can determine the direction and quality of our lives. However, amidst the countless social relationships, we often find ourselves trapped in webs of connections that lack meaning. Are you brave enough to take responsibility for deciding who deserves your attention and energy? Don’t let your life become a mere aimless wanderer!

In every step you take, remember that time is the most precious capital that will never come back. Spending time with people who don’t add value is like planting seeds in barren soil; you will never reap the harvest. Instead, choose to invest in relationships that are uplifting, supportive, and inspiring, so that your life is filled with color and deep meaning!

Let’s delve deeper! What really happens when we get caught in meaningless relationships? From the perspectives of psychology, sociology, politics, economics, and Islamic religion, every aspect of our lives strives to improve. When you free yourself from the burden of detrimental relationships, you open the door to growth, happiness, and unexpected success! This is a call to action—it’s time to seize a life full of meaning and courage!

This approach offers a broad view to understand why we should not waste our lives on meaningless individuals. Here’s the explanation:

1. Psychology

In psychology, meaningless relationships are often referred to as “toxic relationships.” These are connections that harm mental health, hinder development, and affect self-esteem and mental well-being. When we continually give attention to someone who does not contribute positively, we drain emotional energy that could be used for more constructive purposes. From the perspective of self-determination theory, humans need relationships that support autonomy, competence, and social connection. Being trapped in harmful relationships can create chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

2. Sociology

From a sociological standpoint, humans are social beings who develop through positive and supportive social networks. Healthy and beneficial relationships play a crucial role in shaping identity, reinforcing social status, and enhancing quality of life. When we invest our energy in meaningless people, we miss opportunities to build quality social networks. Good social relationships provide emotional support, access to information, and even opportunities in education or work, thereby enhancing social mobility. Choosing a quality social environment fosters personal development and creates healthier communities.

3. Politics

From a political perspective, spending life on meaningless people can hinder productive participation in society or the community. Every individual has the right to choose whom they support and whom they draw inspiration from. In politics, we learn the importance of selectivity in forming alliances that can help us grow. Channeling attention or support to those who do not support our vision only squanders our power as individuals to make broader changes. This approach reminds us of the importance of investing time in relationships or groups that align with personal values and principles that contribute to social good.

4. Economics

From an economic standpoint, time and energy are forms of “capital” that are as important as financial capital. Time spent with people who do not provide positive value is considered opportunity cost. In personal economic contexts, the choice to build relationships should consider emotional and productive return on investment. Conversely, allocating time for positive relationships allows individuals to gain moral, mental, and even financial support. Saved energy can be used to build careers, develop skills, or achieve financial well-being, thereby creating added value that can be enjoyed in the long run.

5. Islamic Religion

In Islam, human relationships are based on the principle of mutual reminders in goodness. Allah SWT reminds us to be selective in choosing friends, as social interactions will influence our life paths. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “A person is on the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends” (HR. Abu Dawud). This hadith illustrates that good friends will draw us closer to Allah SWT, while bad friends can obstruct the path of goodness. Islam teaches the importance of friendships that guide us toward the right path and avoiding relationships that weaken faith or waste time on frivolities. Choosing the right friends is part of protecting our hearts, time, and lives to stay on the path of what is pleasing to Allah.

Conclusion

From all these perspectives, it is clear that life is too precious to be spent on people who do not bring meaning or goodness to our lives. Wisely choosing whom we give our attention to is a way to respect ourselves and maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Every person is given the opportunity and responsibility to direct their life appropriately, and one of the steps is to create a positive social environment.

In closing, remember that life is a choice. Choose to invest in relationships that bring meaning and support your growth. Every second you spend with valuable people is a step toward a brighter future. Don’t let your life be wasted! It’s time to rise, choose positive relationships, and make your life a story full of meaning and inspiration!

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