I don’t think patience ever comes easily, especially for dreamers. It’s easy to impatiently rage toward the next checkpoint believing that it’ll get us closer to the life we’re looking for.
The thing is that the checkpoint is always moving, especially if you’re a dreamer. As we grow the ceiling of possibility continually elevates, making us crave more and more from our lives.
It’s important to learn not to confound that checkpoint with contentment. Important, and incredibly difficult. Balancing ambition and present state appreciation can be brutally difficult.
“Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.”
-Naval Ravikant
4 Comments
I would counter Ravikant and stress that if you are not in alignment internally you cannot be authentically satisfied externally. This will cause your “wants” to keep outdistancing you by changing as each milestone fails to produce the desired effect.
#mondayleibrick2cents
I agree with that. Ravikant is embedded in Silicon Valley’s culture- often one of striving despite having everything you could ever want for happiness right in front of you. A lot hinges on how one defines “desire” and “alignment”. I think the two perspectives can actually align quite well.
Interesting point, his statement may presume that internal alignment has already been achieved, I have just coached a number of execs in crisis because they have kept Ravikant’s “contract” and achieved great success only to be shocked to realize it did not come with a side of happiness. If you are not working just as hard internally, all the external success you achieve will live in that shadow.
Ahh I see! Ravikant is actually making your point exactly- he was arguing against desire in favor of alignment and happiness. How easily context is lost =). Should probably have added a bit more to the quote.