The market is replete with literature on instructions for goal accomplishment. And this is for good reasons. We all want to be fulfilled. Where there is a need, a market always arises to meet the demand. So, there is no surprise that the information out there is massive. And much of it is helpful provided one finds the right system.

Self-Determination

Much of personal growth and success material focuses on self-determination and pulling oneself up by their bootstraps.

Undoubtedly, It is 100% true your dreams will not work for you unless you do. However, that is only part of it.

EGO

Sometimes we lose sight of what’s vital in our quest to succeed. We lose sight of a purpose. And our I’s become too big. Our trek becomes one huge selfish endeavor.

There are so many goals or dreams upon which we could direct our sights. But, for most, the search for success, achievement, or fulfillment all boils down to one word” Significance!” Most desires arise out of a need to be significant.

Significance

That is an excellent word. Significance indicates a sense of importance or value. There is no better feeling or desire than wanting to be valued and feel important. Those who have gained significance in the world have made some unimaginable contributions So a desire to leave a mark on the world is, as one would say, a grand pursuit.

To Be Seen/Heard

Desiring to be seen and not melt into the fiber of existence is how most want to see their lives. Face it, who wants to leave the world feeling as if they were never here.

I, for one, wish to leave the world knowing that my life meant something that I mattered.

Noble/EGO Driven

On the face of things, it seems noble to desire significance. And to lay it plain, there is nothing wrong with it. However, the problem is when one’s reach for meaning becomes EGO-driven.

What do you mean?

If an individual’s quest for significance is fueled by the need to prove a point or garner respect, it’s probably EGO-driven. Or if the pursuit of Significance is to garner acceptance and love, then it’s a pretty good indicator it’s EGO driven. EGO Driven behavior always looks to see how it will benefit self.

The plight of EGO driven Pursuits

While it seems noble to pursue significance, to do so for selfish motives is a matter of self-aggrandization (inflation). Simply, it is for show.

Then some wonder why nothing is working out.

Why do things seem to work against them rather than for them?

Well, It’s because there is ambiguity under the surface.

My Search for Significance

Viktor Frankl once wrote a book entitled “Man’s Search for Meaning,” and it is an excellent read. Admittedly on my current trajectory. I am on a search for the intent underlying my vision.

You see, I want to ensure that my reason for following the path I am on is pure. I want to make sure it is not out of a selfish desire. It is essential for me to ensure the motive behind my pursuits are not EGO driven (Edging God Out)

EGO (Edging God Out)

When we work in ourselves, we can only do things in our strength. We do the best we can, put forth our greatest effort. And yet, there is so much we still don’t know. So, when we rely on ourselves (EGO), we limit ourselves.

However, when we surrender to a higher power, we lock into a more significant power source. We open ourselves to more excellent opportunities. We open ourselves to unlimitable possibilities as opposed to when we operate in self, for self, and because of self. It is then we are operating on pure EGO. That is something we cannot sustain.

” Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.” -Viktor Frankl

A Word for You

Consider your motivations.

Look at the rationale behind your purpose. What are you striving for?

• Do you desire to be a performer because you love it and want to share your gift with the world, or is the desire instead to be cherished and applauded?
• Do you want to be a doctor to heal others, or do you want prestige, acceptance, and esteem?
• Do you want to start a charity out of a desire to give back or be recognized as benevolent?

When you start considering your motivations, you will realize what is holding you back.

Unadulterated Truth

When you seek significance out of a pure place then you will receive what you are looking for! When you give, honestly give, without an expectation, and that is when it will be given back to you in ways unimaginable and you will start to experience greater fulfillment.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” –

Luke 6: 38