There is a point when things stop being about you
I want to accomplish X
I want to have X sized bank account
I want to have X number of likes
It is a trap. The idea that you need to focus on yourself - while true within a specific context, is actually bad general life advice. Unless you work in a solo profession, you need people. Not to just be our support or to be our guides, but to be the provider of support; to give of ourselves. It would seem to be an obvious thing, but far too often we find ourselves caught in our own personal narrative - our perspective is locked. Even conversations will typically consist of each person looking for a way to add their own personal anecdote, not really listening to the person currently talking. I was sitting, trying to figure out what to write about today - most of the topics I came up with focused on me. All the topics had a dreary tone to them. (Seasonal Depression! Buddy! I really didn’t miss how much you make me focus on the negative) It got me thinking, who would want to read this sad post about someone else?! Sometimes talking about yourself can be cathartic, but is that really what other people want to read about?
My blog here is about growth and trying to push ourselves to be better. One of the topics I have already discussed is intrinsic motivation. One of the ways we are intrinsically motivated is when what we do has value. On a daily basis, what are the things you provide the most value to? Why? Where in your life do you either not provide much value - or you don’t feel you are valued for what you do? Why? This is such a good thought exercise. It wouldn’t surprise me if those times where you feel valued are when you are doing things which help others and/or are being recognized for that. We need each other in order to add that value. To be that friend who just knows when they are needed and steps in. Or to see someone at the store struggling to pay the bills and stepping in to pay it for them. Be the person who recognizes the efforts of others instead of looking for the criticisms. It means generally taking our eyes off of ourselves. To look for ways to serve and just be there - while staying true to the person you are. By taking the attention off of yourself, you will find your purpose on a daily basis. If you do not find much value in anything you do, consider why, and then consider how you can add value either in your current surroundings, or by finding new surroundings.