Your Path to Success Matters More Than the Destination

Do something because of the process, not the potential results

When I was 18, I wanted to become a DJ.

DJs were the center of attention at parties. And they made good money by playing some records.

I imagined myself going out of a fancy car, my music in hand, waving to fans who were crowding over because I just finished my latest mix. Nice life, right?

So I started the whole DJ-ing. I learned to mix and I even did a few local gigs.

Obviously, that DJ career didn’t pan out. Over time, I learned that I hated nightlife and the status game people play.

Looking back, I realized that I was overly focused on the visible results of DJ-ing: Looking cool, being famous, earning a lot of money, living a “cool” life.

Sure, I was a teenager (and naive). But a big reason I didn’t become a professional DJ is that I was driven by the potential results — not the process itself.

Ask yourself: Do I like the process?

Seneca once said:

“The greatest wealth is a poverty of desires.”

It’s easier to live a more “fulfilled” life when we don’t desire a lot. But there’s also a fine line between having a “poverty of desires” and being lazy and unambitious.

If you’re reading this, then you’re not the latter. After all, you have the desire to improve your life: Whether that’s developing better habits, becoming wealthier, learning more, etc.

The way I see it, what Seneca really means is to desire only what’s important to us.

If you’re not trying to please anyone but yourself: What kind of life would you really like to live?

Our world is a consumerist world and we’re constantly bombarded by both subtle and not-subtle ads about what a good life is supposed to be.

• “If you buy this car, people will know you’re a success and your parents-in-law will respect you more.”
• “You’re a broke failure if you can’t afford this seven-day package vacation that’s on sale! Buy it now…