What makes you tick?

This question has been revolving in my head for some time now... What motivates us to achieve something? What drives us to push ourselves forward and get something we wanted? Do we all have that drive, or are just some of us unnecessarily chasing dreams and pushing ourselves too hard? Because when one dream is fulfilled, the human mind turns to fulfill another, almost never happy with the current state of things..

What is the reason why we want to change our present and look to another future? It's not necessarily unhappiness or dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs... people can be motivated and determined to 'do something' simply (or not so simply) as an ego boost, or if they felt that they had to prove something to others.. or it could be because of money... yes, I believe for many people money is a big motivation, although I personally know of only one person who desires money enough to have no life at all and work almost 20 hours a day! He does earn more than $500,000 and he's just 32, so I guess I don't blame him! But I don't know if I could ever do that...

Me, I'm a true Scorpio... power and position motivates me... I find it sexy. On a man and a woman. And I don't mean it in the way politicians and bureaucrats have it or use it, but as being the person in charge. That gives me a high. To be in control, that makes me want to do things. And credit. Aaah! Am such a sucker for being given the credit for the work I do. I feel instantly charged when someone gives me credit for the work I have accomplished, and feel highly deflated when I don't get recognized. This I believe is normal, atleast it should be!

But someone told me something yesterday, that jarred in my brain. It was their opinion of why I am so determined to achieve certain things in life, of why I push myself harder than I need to - and unfortunately - it was true. And it's been on my mind since that moment. And surprisingly, I don't feel guilty about it. I think I may have accepted some things about myself.

So what motivates you, if at all? Is it money? Is it a need to provide for your loved ones? Is it a need to fulfill what others expect of you, or atleast what you think they expect of you? Is it the desire to be looked up to or envied by others around you? Would you even feel happy if someone envied you?!

What makes you strive for something, whether it be for better or worse?

Chicken and egg story..

Do you think that it's true that the happier and more content human beings we are, the more people will flock around us and be drawn to us, or is the converse true - that the more people are attracted to us, the more happier and content we are?! It's like, did the chicken come first or the egg? It's like the following riddle:

"The statement below is true."


"The statement above is false."

I'd like to believe it's the first, but I think it's usually the second that applies..


On this happy note, let me ask another pertinent question - do you think people who keep pets, especially dogs and maybe cats, are emotionally unstable and lack love in their life from human beings and therefore seek it in animals who are mute and dependent on them?

I'd like to believe it's because of the sake of the pet itself that we keep them, but I think it's usually because we seek unconditional (or conditional, like in case of a cat) acceptance and companionship that we do....


And what will you do if you wanted to pursue your dream, but that would entail giving up a good opportunity at the present moment?

I'd like to believe I'd pursue my dream, but I think I'm risk-averse and would "settle" for a bird in hand rather than two in the bush... or just maybe I'll gather enough courage and believe in myself and God that my dream can come true...