The Enemies of Greatness (and Happiness)
In a wrap:
GET INSPIRED, DREAM WITH CONVICTION AND GRANDEUR, AND DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS.
Another great post sourced from PMou :].
1) Availability / Comfort
We often settle for what’s available, and what’s available isn’t always great. “Because it was there,” is an okay reason to climb a mountain, but not a very good reason to take a job or a free sample at the supermarket. Why pursue greatness when you’ve already got 324 channels and a recliner? Pass the dip and forget about your grand designs. Nothing destroys a good idea faster than following the norm. There’s a difference between being agreeable and agreeing to everything. The lowest common denominator is never a high standard, so sometimes you need to get comfortable marching to your own beat.
Alex’s Note: This is a good explanation of why I’m so very non-committal sometimes — I’m always evaluating. Sometimes I need to just flow though :P. I’ve recently been inspired by Bing Chen, a fearless fellow who advised me to get used to jumping into “cold pools,” and to do something (even ten things) new every day — something that scared you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
2) Ignorance
If we don’t know how to make something great, we simply won’t. If we don’t know that greatness is possible, we won’t bother attempting it. All too often, we literally do not know any better than good enough.
Alex’s Note: Inspireeee yasseeellff.
3) Momentum
If you’ve been doing what you’re doing for years and it’s not-so-great, you are in a rut. Many people refer to these ruts as careers.
Alex’s Note: I’m really frustrated by people that join the flow just because it’s the best thing they know. I’m frustrated by myself — I don’t find particular pleasure studying electrical engineering, but it’s the best thing I know career-wise even though it’s occupying so much of my time. HMM.
Credits to xcbass.tumblr.com for original post.