I remember many years ago when I was in college, a group of us chipped in to take a harbor cruise. We cruised past beautiful homes with their private boat docks extending into the harbor. Many had a nice boat docked alongside.
My friend turned to me and said, “Wow, this is really frustrating to see the wealth that these people have acquired.”
I still remember my words to her over 40 years later, “I don’t find it frustrating at all,” I said. “I find it motivating. If they can do it, why can’t I?”
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others. When we do, we are often comparing what we don’t have to what somebody else has. That can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.
Instead, turn that desire into energy and purpose. It’s not wrong to want the better things in life. However, one only achieves them (or any worthy goal) through hard work.
That’s the bargain you have to strike with life.
A wish is not a plan
“I wish I had the (fill in the blank) that he/she has.” How many times have you said that or thought that? But have you completed the exercise to take it to the next step? It would sound something like this, “In order for me to achieve this, I will have to (fill in the blanks).”
The bargain one makes in life is to apply your time, energy and talents to achieve the goal you want to attain.
“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
I had this phrase attached to my email signature for years. For me, this became my mantra. It might not work for everyone, but it worked for me.
In theory, one could work very hard throughout their entire life and never accomplish all that they hoped for. That is true.
However, what is equally true and even more likely is that if one doesn’t work hard and apply themselves, there is virtually no chance that they will achieve their life goals.
For most of us, there are no shortcuts. Wishful thinking will not get you any closer to your dreams.
Mark DeBellis, 2024