I’ve met a lot of talented and ambitious people who are terribly discontent. It’s not failure that breaks them, but perhaps the price of success as they define it. There is some imbalance in their pursuit itself.
Here are 4 areas where things fall apart:
1. The wrong goals.
Are you pursuing the right things? Is it for the right reasons? Is this really what you want, or are you chasing what society says you should want? Is it worth the time, energy, and sacrifices?
George Bernard Shaw keenly observed: “There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want; the other is getting it.”
2. The wrong expectations.
How far are you pursuing this goal? How much do (you think) you need to be satisfied? What would you consider “enough”? Are you truly happier with what you have now versus when you had less?
G.K. Chesterton pointed out: “There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
3. The wrong values and priorities.
Who are you as you pursue your goals? How do you treat people along the way - or in your way? What are your moral standards? And if you were honest, what might make you compromise them?
Kanye West lamented: “It seem we livin' the American Dream. But the people highest up got the lowest self-esteem. The prettiest people do the ugliest things for the road to riches and diamond rings.”
4. The wrong mentality and habits.
To what end do you pursue your goals? What do you do once you’ve achieved them? Do you pause to enjoy the fruits of your labor, or are you always onto the next thing? Do you know how to rest?
An issue of Sports Illustrated once noted that: “Those best equipped to win championships are often the least equipped to celebrate them.”
My friends, be aware of your personal dispositions. Reflect on your own goals and expectations, values and priorities, mentality and habits. Pursue your dreams with a clear mind and an examined heart.
May you find deep contentment not only at the end of the journey but every step of the way.