Some say the key to life is finding what you love. Everything else is secondary and falls into place later, they say.
Others caution, "No, often that's a path to nowhere." It's better, they argue, to become a pro and make decent money.
The reality itself contradicts the first group. Some folks realize their affinity for Activity X not right away, but only over time. Or, having embarked on their "dream pursuit," they suddenly feel disappointed.
The opposite advice is only good for super-conscientious people who are open to immersing themselves in any pursuit. For the majority, it's a path to mediocrity, not Olympus.
To simplify, the first group maximizes pleasure, while the second group maximizes stability. There is an immediate conflict between the two.
In my view, they're all putting the cart before the horse.
There's a meta-goal that stands above them.
It's personal meaning.
A person senses it directly in the body, like an unexplainable pull, a vague signal, or a strange curiosity about Phenomenon X.
Such interest can't be rented or faked. Like laughter or a hiccup, it just arises within you.
You can ignore the pull towards X, but it's challenging. Your subconscious will regularly remind you: "Oh, by the way..." in various circumstances, events, and, of course, dreams.
If you decide, "Okay, I'll try this X," you probably won't experience bliss. On the contrary, discomfort will persist for a long time. But if the inner pull is there, you'll bear these burdens anyway.
Why? Personal meaning redeems much, if not everything.
The paradox is that developing meaning produces by-products - your relevance, your confidence, and the joy of skill growth.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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