Actualization Over Ambition

Yesterday, I wrote about how I’m striving to experience less ambition in my life. I realize that may sound unmotivated, but I believe that you can still try to be better everyday and accomplish the goals you set for yourself without it.

I believe the way to accomplish that is through self-actualization. You use whatever passion you have to realize your potential and seek fulfillment and personal growth. You find yourself through the process.

You love the process.

It’s not about gratifying your ego; it’s simply enjoying the work. Whether you become rich and famous or not — it’s irrelevant. I got into this line of work because I had fun doing it. I’m discovering more and more that when you place ambitious expectations on the work (ie fame, wealth, freedom) is when it turns on you. It’s very rare that the work rewards you in these ways.

You do the work because you love the process. After you’ve put into enough hours, the work may happen to reward you. However, it’s a long and arduous game and, if you’re motivated by anything other your own self-actualization through the process, I believe you’re setting yourself for real disappointment.