“Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6 (The Message)
Introduction:
In a world that often equates success with ‘more,’ we embark on becoming our creative best. But what does ‘best’ indeed mean? And how does it differ from ‘more’? Join me in exploring scaling success, the difference between contentment and complacency, and the profound shift from outward to inward growth measures. Here, we discover that the path to creative excellence begins with an inward journey leading to a deep and fulfilling life.
More vs. Best: Defining Success
In a culture that so often worships at the altar of ‘more,’ it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, the metrics, and the outward signs of success. But let’s set the record straight: ‘More’ is not synonymous with ‘best.’ They often exist at opposite ends of the spectrum.
‘More’ is the pursuit of quantity, the accumulation of things and achievements, and the relentless chase for external validation. It’s the rat race for bigger houses, fatter paychecks, and endless accolades. It’s the path that society glorifies and promises success but often leaves you hollow.
‘Best,’ on the other hand, is about quality, depth, and personal fulfillment. It’s the relentless pursuit of excellence, the mastery of your craft, and realizing your true potential. Your creative best is about living the purpose and passion of your life. It’s not about the grandeur of scale but the richness of experience. It’s the path that leads not just to success but to profound satisfaction.
Contentment vs. Complacency: The Thin Line
A common misconception is that contentment equates to complacency, and this misunderstanding can be a stumbling block on the path to creative best. Contentment is being at peace with your current state of affairs. It’s the ability to find joy and fulfillment in your present achievements without necessarily continuing to grow. It’s about embracing your accomplishments with gratitude while remaining open to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Once content with his Pharisaic life, Paul found contentment in his new mission. His tireless efforts to spread Christianity, numerous letters that form a substantial part of the New Testament, and his unwavering faith showed contentment but not complacency. He didn’t stop at his initial success but continued to grow in his faith, deepen his teachings, and further the cause he believed in.
Complacency, in contrast, is a dangerous state. When you become comfortable in your current situation, you resist the urge to challenge yourself. It’s a refusal to grow, a reluctance to venture beyond your comfort zone. The pursuit of ‘best’ ensures that your contentment doesn’t translate into stagnation. It encourages you to keep pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons, even when you’re content with your achievements.
The Shift from Outward to Inward
Our society is obsessed with seeking worth from external sources – titles, awards, income levels, and social media. We want the world to validate us through tangible accomplishments. But the path to creative best is an inside job.
We embark on a different quest in the Thumbs Up Challenge. It’s not about expanding the external but diving deep into the internal. It’s not about accumulating more material possessions but enriching your soul. It’s not about comparing your achievements with others but surpassing your potential.
Focus on Depth, Not Breadth
Instead of pursuing an overwhelming number of goals or projects, narrow your focus to a few key areas where you can make substantial progress. Aim for depth rather than breadth in your pursuits. Quality efforts in the vital few areas will yield better results.
So, if you feel disillusioned by chasing an endless cycle of More, I invite you to journey inward to your creative best. Let’s get radically honest about what ignites our soul, not just our egos. Let’s savor the profound contentment of knowing we fully embodied our highest selves.
Your best life will look different from mine and anyone else’s. Maybe it means doing more or having less, pursuing your creative passions, starting a dream business, deepening family ties, or immersing in nature’s majesty. It’s an odyssey of the authentic self, constantly shedding all falsity and inertia to blaze new trails.
Conclusion: The Path to Your Creative Best
Remember that quality matters more than quantity in aiming for your best creative self. Instead of settling for “enough,” strive for fulfillment. Focus on your inner journey and personal growth rather than seeking external validation. As you pursue creative excellence, prioritize wisdom over numbers, purpose over possessions, and self-discovery over comparison. This is the true measure of success in the Thumbs Up Challenge.
EnSpirit 