The Hustler and the Yogi pt. III
Untethering the two
In my simplified model from last week, the desire to better oneself appears incompatible with contentment in the present moment. It exists on a spectrum with a focus on one necessitating a decrease in the other.
However, this is not some inalienable truth, forever inscribed on a stone somewhere governing the way of the world. It’s simply one way to reconcile what on the surface are two seemingly diametrically opposed forces.
This one-dimensional spectrum assumes a link between these two forces. That they're inherently tethered together by their very nature.
But what if that’s not the case? What if it were possible to feel a call towards action with the intention of a better future while remaining unattached to the outcome?
Imagine having an intrinsic motivation to work hard and succeed while making your present-state contentment uncorrelated to the outcome of those efforts. Whatever shape your future takes is of no importance, you find a way to cultivate peace with what is, while still maintaining that drive to be a changemaker in your life.
From this lens, the one-dimensional spectrum becomes bifurcated. These two traits exist on entirely different axes. You can cultivate unconditional acceptance of life as you work towards the sage-like presence of the Dalai Lama while working to optimize every facet of your life like Tim Ferriss or changing the world one groundbreaking company at a time like Elon Musk.
In this model there still exists the two extremes where you’re focused entirely on one side, neglecting the other. But now there’s another possibility. In fact, an infinite array of other possibilities where effort towards one doesn’t mean sacrificing the other and you can continue grinding while cherishing the present moment.
Now, this is easier said than done. Of course we’d all like to be wildly productive and successful while retaining our peace of mind and appreciating every moment. But the first step is recognizing they aren’t mutually exclusive. You can have your cake and eat it too.
Thought of the Day
