I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.

Bruce Lee

See, in life we always seek validation. That is one reason why we love to play games. They give us a sense of validation and achievement in a micro-cosmos. It is easier and faster to achieve goals in games than it is in real life.

Becoming rich in monopoly takes some hours and feels great, while getting rich in real life takes years or decades and who knows how it feels? Leveling up your character in an MMO and equipping him well to make him mighty is an easy and well-guided and awarded task, while getting ripped and trained in real life is a long-term goal with lots of sweat and tears involved.

But it is important not to depend on the validation of others in the process. You should not train, work or do anything in order to just impress someone. If there is nothing in it for you, what’s the point in doing it? Your actions should be aligned with your beliefs and your dreams. Your ideals define who you could be, but only your actions define who you are. Act accordingly.

Thoughts shape actions, action shape habits and habits shape character. Watch your thoughts and be careful not to be too eager to please others. Think about what you want out of life and what you expect from yourself.

/phil