I grew up knowing I had to be a success for others.
--Sandy Warman
The pressure of performance is daunting and extremely stressful. Some, like Sandy, were controlled by it their whole lives. Perhaps that was your experience, too. Are you free of it now?
The desire to be successful never was a bad thing in and of itself. Teachers encouraged it right along with our parents. Employers reinforced the importance of being successful. But there is and always was a difference between enjoying a job done right and driving ourselves ragged to impress others.
Whatever reason we used for seeking success isn't all bad though. If it motivated us to stretch ourselves, it meant we discovered abilities we might not have known we were capable of. The contribution we made to the world around us was affected accordingly and that changed our lives forever. We can come to believe that however we lived our lives was simply as good as we were capable of. No matter what motivated us in the past, we can take charge of what motivates us now. Finally, that's all that really counts today.
Today I'll be aware of the motives behind my efforts. I don't have to impress anyone.
3 comments:
It was a surprise when I achieved my own brand of success... I had always been put down by my mother, you see. I enjoyed the experience while it lasted and missed it when I retired from public life, but the friendships it brought continue and for that I am truly grateful.
A touching thought for the day Mel, I am happy to be back.
"But there is and always was a difference between enjoying a job done right and driving ourselves ragged to impress others."
That is sooooooooo TRUE!
I'm in line a work which success is judged SOLELY on how much money you produce. However, if I leave for the day; knowing that I did my best to "service" my customers in the best possible way I know how, I feel like succeeded!
Great TFTD, Mel!
Thank you!
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