Image courtesy of Darcy McCarty
One thing that drives us to passionately pursue our desired career is the vision of those who have succeeded. We see individuals who have deciphered the secret to success and parade around in the limelight, chanting that they wouldn’t change a thing. They’re asked to tell of their tale, the road that led them to the promised land and we’re met with some canned response about following your dreams and never giving up, “Because I didn’t, and look where I am now!” they would say.
But this paradox that I am talking about concerns the possibility of a life wasted, chasing after a dream. Out of those few at the top of the mountain, how many others have died on the way up, never even tasting the slightest bit of sweet success? And yet if we don’t seek our goals and dreams, we are most likely going to sit at the bottom of the mountain anyway.
Some would suggest that it is better to enjoy the basics of life and stop pining for more. I love this idea, but have never been able to feel settled with it. I’m a driven person, but I think it’s just human nature to dream big and journey ahead. This is much of what keeps us going as a species. Without that constant carrot dangling in our midst, we would surely have less passion to spice up our lives. It’s all a great paradox!
So what’s the answer?
This is certainly a post that can give no definitive direction. Its goal is to raise more questions than it answers. But I must admit a certain leaning of opinion on the matter.
As much as I like the concept of sitting on a porch swing, my arm around Liz, gazing off into the distance, I could never be this way. I love to enjoy those moments, don’t get me wrong, but I find that they are only sweet when contrasted against the spice of the pursuit.
I believe the problem with many failed pursuits and shattered dreams is more about the tactics than the destination. You can have two individuals with the same starting point and finish line and yet watch one live a life of joy and excitement, while the other wallows in their constant frustration. I’m not saying the one succeeded and the other did not, but that one properly pursued their passion while the other poisoned their life with it. This is the difference between success no matter what and failure is not an option. The first perspective knows that their success comes from their willingness to try, while the latter is enslaved by the fear of the end result. Both are in pursuit, but only one can truly be happy at the same time.
ALSO, if you’re interested in learning how I birthed the “Motivate Thyself” blog design, check out my post on The Blueprint about ‘WordPress Theme Design Tips‘.
I’m in the middle. I love the pursuit, but I want to see a finish line as well. The porch swing to me sounds like a pretty good someday.
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You post made me think of this song from my childhood and from the musical The Man of La Mancha:
http://tinyurl.com/bu58v3
SpaceAgeSage — Lori’s last blog post..There is a time for everything; a season for every activity under heaven
I don’t think there is a right answer. The right answer is whatever you want it to be. If you’re a driven individual, then by all means, it’s worth it to do all you can to be successful because if you don’t, you’ll only regret it. If you aren’t so driven, then go ahead and chill out on the porch swing and do your thing. Also, at one point in you life you may be a driven person, then later on you find yourself settling comfortably into the porch swing.
I think the point here is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to reaching success.
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@Sean: That sounds good to me. I just like the balance of both.
@Lori: Thanks for the link! I listened and enjoyed.
@Matt: That’s what I was stating in the post. I wanted to raise more questions than answer. Like you said, there is no definitive answer, I just think it’s an important topic to hash out in our own minds. Eric
Hey Eric…
I can really feel where you’re coming from with this post. I want to say two things:
Firstly, don’t forget that the ‘dream’ of being able to do nothing, having everything taken care of financially, does not make for a wonderful life. The first day on your porch gazing into the distance is awesome! The first week is pretty cool. Then it starts to get boring. That same old porch, the same view! What I’m trying to say is that we don’t need to hit a point where we say “ahhh, now I’m done.. my life is complete!” Life is an ever changing journey.
Secondly, congratulations on your journey thus far! You have a great writing style, and a great eye for aesthetics. Your blogs are entertaining and great looking – you should be proud of your accomplishments.
Out of interest, what would you really like to do with yourself if you had 10million in the bank?
Have a great week
-Ross
Ross’s last blog post..What’s this blog about, anyway?
Hey Eric,
Everyone has their own preferences and I myself believe that we should have dreams and strive to achieve it. What is a life without dream? I couldn’t imagine anything worst than that.
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
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This post will take some analyzing. Hmmm. . .
@Ross: “…the ‘dream’ of being able to do nothing, having everything taken care of financially, does not make for a wonderful life.”
EXACTLY!!! I always have to remind myself of this when I get caught up with the idea of having LOTS of money. I always wonder if my life would just become a bore.
Thanks, man. That really means a lot come from you!
As far as the 10mil question, let me answer that in Friday’s ‘Community Insight’ post. That’s a great topic!
@Vincent: “What is a life without dream? I couldn’t imagine anything worst than that.”
Well said, Vincent, well said!
@Matt: Let me know if you have any questions on my perspectives. Eric