#25, Inspiration Yields Progress, 40 Days of Self Appreciation

Why do we feel a sense that the grass is always greener on the other side? We peer over the fence at the neighbor’s grass without appreciating our own. This is natural; we are social creatures. How we react to this tendency determines our degree of wellbeing. On the one hand, we can throw judgment and resentment toward the other person, or worse, give up on ourselves saying it is no use trying. On the other hand, and this is where it takes courage and humility, we show good will toward the person, praising their success and wishing them well. We then turn inward and, by drawing inspiration from our observation, we shed light on our true desires. We allow the imagination to go to work and spontaneously take action.

It is perhaps more dangerous to believe no one’s grass is as bright and lush as your own. No one likes a narcissist. Yet, we are given advice like 'be yourself' and 'don’t compare yourself to others.' How does one reconcile this? How do we acknowledge there is competition and still be proud of our accomplishment? Do not succumb to the notion that some people are born lucky and given everything. One doesn't become great by ignoring others' success but instead studying and modeling the good habits of others. We have to be both inspired and compelled to create. Discover your niche and, by adding our own flare, you will create an improved and refined product. By embracing what makes you unique you will only have to compete with yourself.

There’s a technique for everything and there’s always room for improvement. If you can learn to drive a car you can learn just about any skill. No skill is so complex as to be out of your reach. A state of flow exists at the intersection of skill and challenge. If you are willfully engaged and intellectually stimulated, if you can feel proud of your effort at the end of the day, that should be enough to propel you forward.