I have a theory that, when left undisturbed, humans immediately begin to slide toward an undisciplined and self-indulgent lifestyle. I don’t have any science to back up the claim and maybe it’s just an indication of what I know about myself deep down inside.
When we cater to our desires for an easy life, we elevate comfort and short-term success above our larger goals–delivering greater value to our clients, creating artwork that has an impact beyond our bank account, and taking the time to develop and acquire rare and valuable skills.
No matter what we’re doing or how much money we are making, we should be constantly competing with ourselves and creating challenges that force us to extend our capabilities and deepen our skill sets.
Competing with ourselves will keep our motivation alive, prevent us from doubting our worth, and ultimately improve our lives.