what are you trying to prove?
It's an intriguing question. And when followed with, 'Who are you trying to prove it to', is likely to send someone, at least someone like me, into a tailspin.
At work the other day, after receiving rave reviews of my recent presentation ; ) , I got into a conversation with some of the people in my department's about direction and purpose. All of them were saying how they just kind of fell into their current careers haphazardly, or because they happened to be good at something, whether or not they actually wanted to do it. They talked about how they had never done any guided introspective thinking to find out what they really wanted out of life.
This blew me away.
I have done countless 'personal mission' and 'vision' sessions either as a facilitated workshop or in a group- and these people are twice my age! I consider myself to have pretty good direction in life. I know what I want, and how I want to get there. But I wouldn't have figured that out if I hadn't gone about it in a deliberate way.
But this goals, plans, etc- these things that I have down pat- they are really an entirely different question than the subject line. And frankly, that is one that makes me question all of it, just a little. I still want all the things that I have always wanted. But what's the reason behind that? Who am I trying to prove myself to? Maybe this means that I am chasing all the wrong dreams- or rather, the right ones, but for the wrong reasons. Is that really any better?
Labels: diatribes
posted by Holly at
12:31 AM
4 Comments:
Have you read that poem about the man in the mirror? In the end, you are only accountable to yourself and the purpose that you choose. Some people deny that there is a purpose in life. I believe those people to be wrong.
Some people say things happen for a reason. I'm tempted to say that's the dumbest thing ever...but it's likely true. Saying, "things happen for a reason" is still dumb, because they can happen for the reasons because someone...acted, forgot to act, make a decision, turned too sharply, missed a flight etc.
Don't you feel that in working through your reasons for doing things or being on a current plan, that it was something deep inside speaking to you? One might be the best programmer in the world, but if their heart is urging them into the non-profit or teaching, they better listen. It's not all for love or money or...
I think I found it. Great post Holly. You're awesome!
The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
Thought you were referring to MJ's hit at first... also a good message. ;)
But that is a great poem, Denver.
Now- to just nail those things down that make you happy. Especially when some of them conflict.
Holly! I had the exact verbatim experience at TNS. That was THE inspiration for creating Dreaminder.
Cheers to you!
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