Ambition and dreams... good or bad...
There are many people who stay in small houses driving small cars and they are happy and psychological well (latter refer to having meaningful relationships and no physical illnesses or medication). If you ask them what they aspire to or what their dreams are... the answer would be limited and they will start by stating they are happy...with who they are and what they have....In the whole sales industry (doesn't matter the product or item), the perception is created more and better the whole time... one has to stand out from the crowd, drive a fancy car, stay in the upper neighbourhood and be on a certain level in your career at a certain time. The irony is just when you get all of these...it also doesn't last long...soon there will be a bigger house or newer car which become the 'in' criteria...
From a motivational point of view we all want to belief we can all get rich and famous... We just need to work hard, have self belief and just do it... or that is what the billion dollars motivational industry wants us to belief... but is it true? What is the percentage of people doing the right things who really becomes the one to stand out and being able to live up to 'the criteria'...?
So, having said this...is it then really a good thing to have dreams and ambition, specifically if that includes the never full filling criteria of bigger and better the whole time...
I belief arrogance is a defence mechanism to assist the inner self to create rational for achievements that are not full filling for that individual....
Last but not least...One could argue saying a lack of ambition creates a lack of energy, but doesn't it at least bring more happiness and health...?
Comments (6)
Here are some relevant factors:
"Difference between Consumerism and Consumption ??
My mum buys that much of clothes !!!!
More...
But only wears that much
Consumerism is a social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts.
There is a very important difference between consumption and Consumerism.
If consumption is the act, Consumerism is the social system which exists when that act becomes defining of a society. And it's Consumerism that causes the problems. Consumerism takes the act of consumption and turns it into the defining act of our role as social beings
a timeline of consumerism
"Buy now, pay later"
Keeping up with the joneses 1925
1929 - 1945 : Depression & War
Charge it !!
"Big is better"
Factors leading to consumerism
Advertising
Advertising is a form of Marketing communication used to encourage, persuade or manipulate potential customers to take or continue taking some action.
Debt
Obsolescence
Obsolescence is the state which occurs when an object , service, or practice is no longer wanted even though it may still be in good working order.
Social Factors
Planned obsolescence
Planned obsolescence is a policy of planning or designing product with an artificially limited useful life, so it will become obsolete, that is, unfashionable or no longer functional after a certain period of time.
Perceived obsolescence
Is when a costumer is convinced that he needs an updated product,even his existing product is working well"
Reminds me on the great words of Dr. Wayne Dyer: "To believe that you need what you don't have is the definition of insanity".
I think having dreams and realistic ambitions that improve your life and make you happy are a good thing. I have someone in the family that was and never will be satisfied with what she has and isn't interested to put any work in to get it anyway. She's not happy, never was for a long time and it's tough for the ones around her as well.
Being a "glass half full person" and having a positive as well as realistic attitude helps in leading a happy life methinks. It is also a no-brainer for me that you have to work hard and have to have some self-confidence - the criteria as to what is "enough" to lead a happy life is different for everyone though.
Your comments are valid and very much appreciated... sometimes I am just amazed with life and the cycle thereof...
We are born, work hard to have big houses and many things...first we stress to get these things and then later we stress again to get rid of them (and don't be so convinced our children wants our stuff)... The more we have, the more difficult to die (we all will get there) as we have strings in life keeping us occupied ... and that in a process where enough was never enough...
Great blog
I just want to be happy and care-free ...not really the ambitious type.
I do work hard to live a happy life and enjoy every moment of it as much as I can.
I don't want to live to work hard for things that I could never take with me when I die
Where previously I would live and let live, I now question why.
Where my ambition had been nearly dead, it is now again alive and kicking hard.
As far as bigger and better, I guess that's part of ambition.
Always strive to better life for urself and family!!!