PEACE,
I've noticed with myself that accomplishing a goal, at times, was simply to satisfy a desire I had- a hunger deep within me. Other times I wanted to succeed to “show them I can do it.” The latter can be dangerous. The subconscious mind can fool us into thinking we are striving to accomplish a goal for ourselves, when truly the motivating factor is the GLORY. Would you perform the same way if no one was watching? Would you be as happy about your achievements without recognition? There is nothing wrong with wanting credit for your work and getting your just due. The problem exists when the thirst for accolades drives you more than personal satisfaction.
When chasing the glory becomes a “high” and you start to become addicted to the rush that comes from the attention, things can get slippery. Then you find yourself caught in a never ending cycle chasing empty goals that bring no true satisfaction. Our children often look up to us, their parents, for approval when they are starting to accomplish things. At a young age they often want us to acknowledge that they’ve done a good job. When we look for approval from others on a constant basis we are quietly admitting that we value the judgment and opinions of others- possibly more than our own. Like that child who wants to impress the parent, you tend to seek approval and justification from those you think are above you in rank or position to some degree. Now if a person can perform a task at a high level, and you acknowledge that their skill set is above your ability, that’s understandable and you must be honest to admit these types of things. But you have to keep this in perspective; don’t praise them and devalue yourself.
Often in today’s society we are subconsciously led to put people we admire on a pedestal, and at times deify them (the Jesus syndrome) and we convince ourselves they are better than we are as people. We equivocate wealth with worth in this country and we often cee people with more monetary wealth as being more valuable than those of us with meager financial means (sometimes without even realizing it). My point: don’t put the others above yourself.
I especially cee this with some of my black, brown and yellow brothers and sisters who seem to be so motivated to disprove what “White America” thinks of them. To want to be perceived in the proper light and understood is natural, don’t get me wrong. However if you are constantly looking UP to a group of people, or a person seeking approval and validation you are selling yourself short. Why is your own opinion and satisfaction not good enough? Often when you do finally “show them you can do it,” or “prove them wrong” the feeling is not as gratifying as you imagined it would be. Be aware of your driving factor and be sincere in your intentions.
Proper Education Activates Constant Elevation
Born Logic Allah
