Are you striving after the wind?
As humans, it’s only natural that we desire to grow and progress.
However, the types of goals we pursue can determine whether we feel fulfilled or empty after accomplishing them.
It may be worth asking yourself if the thing you’re chasing right now is ultimately superficial or fulfilling?
Some goals give us a big bump of dopamine, but are short-lived (think buying a new fancy car)...
Other goals result in enduring changes to who we are fundamentally (think getting in shape)...
How do we differentiate these pursuits?
I think the answer lies in the reasoning behind our desire to achieve the outcome…
Is the motivation to achieve driven by external judgements or an internal desire to improve?
If you want to get in shape so that other people are impressed, you’re striving after the wind…
If you want to get in shape, so that you have more energy and confidence, you’re pursuing internal growth…
If you work ridiculously long hours to build wealth, just so that you can have the “nicest” car and house on the block, you’re striving after the wind…
If you work ridiculously long hours to build wealth, so you can experience the privilege of financial security/freedom, you’re pursuing internal growth…
The goals can be almost identical, but the purpose behind them changes the resulting feelings…
Superficial goals result in short-lived hits of dopamine; purposeful goals create a positive change in who you are.
What is something you are chasing to improve others’ perception of you?
And how might you be able to shift that into something more internally gratifying?
~Practical Mindfulness Blog #151
0
0 comments
Are you striving after the wind?
powered by
skool.com/practical-mindfulness-5292
"The free community I wish existed when I first got interested in mindfulness and meditation". -JB
Suggested communities
Powered by