I’ve been thinking a lot about ambition as I’m on the cusp of fatherhood — I’ve always been able to work things into existence; throw more time at it, sacrifice, innovate, pivot, grind. That won’t be a workable approach to raising kids... or, at least, not the approach I want to take. I hope to facilitate their exploration of the world, not drive them toward a nebulous idea of "success."
The more I reflect on the example I want to set for my kid the more I realize my own character imbalances and where they've played productive and unproductive roles in my life. As such, below are reminders to myself on how I want to show up in this next chapter of my life...
- Find comfort in discomfort — Uncertainty of the future doesn't need to breed action; live, enjoy, and trust.
- Let joy lead, not goals — Find happiness outside of hope; there's so much to be enjoyed today. Hope and optimism for the future is often confused for happiness.
- Control less, flow more — Taoism talks about the natural flow and rhythm of life and how in forcing outcomes we tend to encounter resistance; let go of control and find effortlessness in the flow.
- Leave paths untravelled — We cannot walk all paths nor take all opportunities. Let them pass and be forgotten.
- Gratitude — Recognize the immense good in your life, deeply appreciate it, and make your gratitude felt.
- Be vulnerable — Sharing your struggles, fears, and desires is a pathway to connection, support, and community.
- Abundance over scarcity — Give. The value of what you have is less than you think; the value of who you are is more than you think.
- Celebrate the small things — an extension of gratitude... cherish and savor the small, special moments in life.
