"He not busy being born is busy dying"

The idea here is pretty straightforward—if you're not constantly growing and evolving, you're essentially stagnating. Life's all about progress and change. If you're just sitting still, you're not really living.

This sentiment was famously expressed by Bob Dylan in his song "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" from the 1965 album "Bringing It All Back Home." The '60s were a time of massive social upheaval and change. Dylan, one of the era's most influential voices, was urging people to embrace transformation rather than clinging to old ways. It was a call to action in a time when standing still meant being left behind.

Take the example of a small business owner. Imagine someone running a local bakery for the past 20 years. They've been successful, but lately, they’ve noticed a drop in customers. Why? Because new, trendy cafes offering online orders and local delivery have popped up around town. If this baker doesn’t adapt—maybe by updating their menu, embracing social media to attract younger customers, or offering delivery options—they’ll continue to lose business. Eventually, they might have to close up shop. On the other hand, if they recognize the need for change and take steps to evolve, they could find themselves thriving once more.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by regularly evaluating where you’re at and where you want to go. Are you learning new skills? Are you exploring new ideas or places? If you feel like you’re in a rut, shake things up. Maybe it's time to take a class, pick up a new hobby, or even change careers. The key is to stay curious and open to new experiences.

Think about a friend of mine, Jenna. She’d been working in the same office job for a decade. It paid well, but she was bored out of her mind. She felt like she was just going through the motions. One day, Jenna decided she’d had enough. She started taking night classes in graphic design—something she’d always been passionate about but never pursued. Fast forward a couple of years, and Jenna's got her own freelance business and is happier than ever. She's constantly learning new software, taking on different projects, and meeting interesting people. She embraced the idea of being "born" again in her career, and it's opened up a whole new world for her.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: are you busy being born, or are you busy dying? Choose to be born again. Dive into something new and see where it takes you. Life's too short to stand still.