"The struggle alone pleases us, not the victory."
- Blaise Pascal
Motivation Monday - Richard's Insight
This quote challenged me a little when I first read it. Surely the victory is what pleases us was my initial thought? However, one of the reasons why I like to read these quotes from such wise people is that they make me think and broaden my mind.
The struggle, or the journey if you prefer, is what we go through in order to reach the 'victory', the outcome, goal or achievement. If all we ever focus on is those victories then we are left with something unfulfilled, some learning missing, some endless treadmill of the next goal and the next goal all the while.
The struggle therefore, not only teaches us but also satisfies us as much as the ultimate victory or outcome. Enjoying this struggle or journey allows us to appreciate the present moment, to see our growth on a gradual basis and to reflect on our life not only as milestones for completion but equally so on the daily steps we take to reach them.
If our thoughts are on the now, or the present moment then we will have a grateful attitude and have more clarity of focus as well as an aim to achieve great victories or success. This way, we get to enjoy the journey as much as the destination...for the journey pleases us, shapes us and makes us feel alive every single day.
-Richard W J Brown