“Persons of high self-esteem are not driven to make themselves superior to others…Their joy is being who they are, not in being better than someone else.”
-Nathaniel Branden
What drives you? Money? Fame? Just being able to help someone in need? In today’s quote Canadian-American psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden puts this into perspective as he relates to those with high self esteem are driven by being who they are and not driven to be better than someone else. Essentially they just focus on themselves. I think if we all took the time to do that and not worry so much about the “competition” we would be better for it. In my opinion, trying to keep up with the Joneses as the saying goes will never bring you true happiness because you really aren’t doing it to better yourself as much as trying to better your social status standing in the eyes of others.
Often times some people try and brag to others what they have (ie a new car, a new boat or all the trips you have gone on, etc) to make themselves look better than someone else. It isn’t necessary. The only one you should be concerned with is yourself and being better for the sake of being better.
One thing to note is having the joy in being who you are. That is what is important. If you can’t be happy with yourself then who can be?
What does this quote mean to you and how can you apply today’s message towards defining/refining your own moral compass?
Becoming The Change 