In our early professional years, we're mostly driven by personal ambition. We compete, we strive, we push ourselves to excel.
It's more of an individualistic focus which isn't inherently negative because it's interestingly a crucial aspect of personal development.
Through competition and the pursuit of individual success, we hone our skills, build confidence, discover our strengths, work on our weaknesses etc.
When we mature and reach a plateau, that feeling of individual accomplishments, which was so satisfying previously now leave us yearning for something more. Like an inkling that there is more, it just can't be that.
In a way, we experience a transition and begin to ponder whether there's a greater purpose beyond our individual success?
Simultaneously, it's also possible to become more aware of our interconnectedness with others and the world around us.
This is where the concept of service enters the picture, in that it begins to take on a new and different meaning. A higher calling that shifts our focus from individualistic to non-individualistic service.
The need for service seems to stem from various sources. From an evolutionary perspective, humans are social creatures, and cooperation and altruism have clear evolutionary advantages.
Psychologically, we have fundamental needs for belonging, purpose, and self-transcendence.
Many cultural and spiritual teachings that we grew up in emphasize the importance of service, further reinforcing its significance.
In that sense, I think it seems natural that as we mature and grow, we start seeking meaning beyond individual achievement, and gravitate towards service.
Individual success can be gratifying but it tends to be fleeting, being of service provides a more profound and lasting sense of fulfillment.
Service fosters a sense of connection to others and the world around us, giving us added purpose that extends beyond our individual lives.
Given this perspective, we might need to reevaluate our view of competition. Rather than discarding it entirely, we can reframe it. Within reasonable limits, competition can be a drive for self-improvement, bettering ourselves not to outdo others, but to be more effective in our service.
We can channel our competitive energy into pushing boundaries for the common good which interestingly transforms competition into "coopetition"—a blend of cooperation and competition—to create shared experiences and achieve shared goals.
This journey from individual success(single focus) to being of service(global focus) may represents a natural progression in personal growth.
That said, it really doesn't negate the value of individual achievement but builds upon it, channeling our developed skills and competitive spirit towards a higher purpose.
As we navigate this path, we may find that true fulfillment may not necessarily come from what we do for ourselves, as in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how we contribute to the world around us.
In that regard, success could also take on a new meaning, which is one measured not by personal accolades, but by the positive impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.
