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As we’re growing up, society is constantly asking us, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Meaning of course, “what do you want to Do when you grow up,” but embedding the idea, “what do you want to Be.” As if we need to ‘Be Something’ to validate our existence.
This way we are conditioned, to work really hard, to compete against others, to become something, to have a title. Never mind what we’re doing, as long as we have a title that says “I went to college, I have a job, I have value, authority,” and all of that.
Often our job title defines us to the point that we don’t even talk about what we’re doing, just what we are. From “I’m just a janitor” to “I’m a CEO”, “I am a designer”, “I am a doctor”, “I am a writer”, “I am an artist”. Well, do you create art or are you an “artist”? Do you run a business, or are you “the manager”? Do you treat patients or are you a “doctor”?
And this goes on in all kinds of subtle ways, with seemingly noble titles, “I am a volunteer”, “I am a humanitarian”, “I am a teacher”, “I am an activist”, “I am a yogi”, “I am an agent of God”.
Our whole identity becomes so wrapped up in maintaining our titles, that we lose sight that we are so much more… and we lose the thrill of simply doing, of creating, of living.
But my dad always asks: “Can you live, create, work, play – without being something?”
Well after being an artist, a designer, a musician, an entrepreneur, a rock-star, here is the beautifully simple answer…
It’s effortless to be inspired and create art; it’s a lot of work to be an “artist” in the public eye. It’s not hard to design; it is quite a challenge to be a “designer”. It’s one thing to create a business, make something, have a job, and earn a living; it takes a lot of effort to maintain a job status. It’s hard trying to be a “musician” or a “rock-star”; it’s a lot of fun making music and rocking out.
See when you’re actually focused in creating and working, you’re in the zone. You’re not thinking about your title, what others may be thinking, how this compares with what others are doing, or how this affects your status. These thoughts about validating your existence, who you are in the world, how you want others to see you, they all seem to fade out and lose their importance. Then there is absolutely no reason for trying to ‘be something.’ You are simply doing, creating, connecting, living.
– Jeff Singh –
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Join us on this journey to break free from social pressures to live more authentically…
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Agree. Many people expect that however you are paid defines who you are. That, or that you have a single defining passion in life that drives you. I’ve simply never believed in either of those concepts for myself though. I prefer to explore the world and life, which means my passion (not only titles) can change over time. In any event, nature has no titles or boxes.
Exactly! There’s nothing wrong with having a passion you’re focused into, as something you’re interested in, or something you do. But often it defines people to the point where they can’t think out of that box. So instead of ‘I am a greater whole’ working on this passion, it becomes, ‘I am this passion’ and that is all I am. There’s the limit and the seed of discontent when that passion doesn’t pan out or life calls for something else.
See the beauty in recognizing this, it is freeing. Free from that box, you are able to explore and act creatively for what life calls for in the moment. That’s why some of the best entrepreneurs and talents are often multi-faceted.
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Hey Jeff,
It’s Frank, your co-star from “No place like Home,” one of the movie classics of this generation. I think we share some of the same non-demoninational philosophies. I knew there was something special about you. To me, the essence of all religions, wise sayings, and good self help books all seem to be saying the same thing. I think they even agree with science too. I believe you would really enjoy Eckhart Tolle and his teachings. He often refers to Krishnamurti, as well as Jesus, Buddha, Zen masters, and many other sources. Ck out his Youtube Channel. Being vs Doing is a concept I am interested in with right now. I want to be a person that is completely fulfilled and happy just as I am. But if that is truly the case it somewhat takes away the motivation “to do” anything. I suppose there is a balance of yin and yang in being and doing that should be found. Great to know you are into these enlightening topics. I am interested in writing about them too. My girlfriend and I have attended the Center for Spiritual Living in Raleigh and met many like-minded folks there. It’s all good.
Hey Frank, great to hear from you. I am familiar with Eckhart Tolle and the Power of Now. That is what we’re reaching here. The quest to ‘be something’ is certainly a driving motivation embedded in our culture, in our condition. But honestly, if you can step out of that, you can see how much energy (mental, physical, and emotional) that saps out of us. It is actually a motivation of protecting identity, born out of a desire for security, out of a fear of being nothing. When you are happy being nothing, you are free. Out of that freedom you see what Needs to be done or what can be done with your unique talents and skills. What needs to be done has it’s own motivation and vitality. Instead of all that energy protecting something, you are free to bring your talents to the world.
Eckhart could not have said it any better Jeff. Great insight.
Wah g wah! Jeff!! I am impressed with your clarity of thoughts about this confusing matter.