It’s the New Year and it seems this time is always filled with promises to ourselves in the form of resolutions. There are all kinds of articles about goal setting and how to make our resolutions stick around longer than our extra holiday pounds. As I read these articles, it strikes me that the advice ranges anywhere from extremely valuable to ‘DUH’. What may be ‘DUH’ for me however, could provide an epiphany for another reader out there in the blogosphere so therein lies what makes the internet such an awesome place.
As humans, we seem to be innately wired to want and hunger for more…..what the more consists of can, and should be, different for each one of us. If we can be honest with ourselves about what drives us, excites us and brings joy to us, that is our true definition of more. More should not be what makes others think highly of us, or what makes us feel like we measure up as compared to those around us. Wanting more of whatever that is (usually stuff), while potentially providing a feeling of short-term confidence and happiness, eventually will leave us feeling overwhelmed by the more that really doesn’t matter to us. I’m not saying stuff is bad and I am in no way a minimalist….I love stuff as much as the next person. But being clear about what stuff brings me joy versus having all the stuff and only liking about 20% of it after the initial rush of the purchase dies down…that’s what I’m seeking. Plus, it saves me from having to spend a bunch of already scarce time on ebay, Craigslist and hawking my wares at consignment stores to try and get ride of the 80% that sits idle.
So as I start this New Year off, I am spending 2015 continuing to define what I want more of. I am unapologetic about the fact that I want more. You should be too. We deserve more; each one of us does. It is what drives us to be better, work harder, love stronger and aim higher. My challenge to you is to be honest with yourself about what your more is. While it can be scary to seek that, instead of what others might expect you to want more of, you owe it to yourself. No one else is going to do it for you. No one can do it for me, even if they wish they could. It’s up to us and it can be scary but I heard a great quote in the movie ‘Bounce‘ this morning as I sipped my coffee and I will share it here.
“It’s not brave if you aren’t scared”
Don’t say sorry for wanting more.…just be sure you know what your true meaning of more is.