We recently connected with ZIJIE ZHOU and have shared our conversation below.
Hi ZIJIE, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose came to me very late in life. Before that life was more autodidactically centered around myself, and I was going to dream bigger and be happier for myself. But after getting to know AI and documentaries and some mystical experiences, I think my purpose is to tell other people’s stories as much as I can, to tell those interesting stories while healing the subjects and thinking about society’s injustice. And documentaries can be a great way to carry these aspirations, the project needs to become an altruistic act.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I live and work primarily as an independent documentary filmmaker, documenting the lives and adventures that interest me, and reflecting on my own and society’s injustices through these stories.
What interests me most about the process of making documentaries is the ability to experience another life in great depth, to empathize with the wisdom and logic of another life. In the process, you will realize the variety and richness of life, and open up your horizons while getting to know a lot of interesting friends and stories.
My next project involves the living conditions of illegal immigrants in the United States, and the dating process in different times & locations. There are also more private documentaries of my own family. I hope that these projects will give me a clearer picture of the world around me.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think sincerity, bravery, and optimism are very important qualities and an essential part of a good work. Sincerity can take you through the fog, bravery takes you through the fog, and optimism is the mindset that you can accept whatever is behind the fog.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel Overwhelmed, I go out into nature. Getting the body moving through a lot of physical exertion like hiking allows the brain to relax partially. Working out is also a great way to shift attention to the body and to each breath. This enables a re-prioritization like a task manager and the dopamine production makes the mood less tense.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zijiezhou.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zijiezhou_/
