(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

To aspire to something better is an important part of human wiring. When you see something which appeals to you that he has, or she does, or they accomplish, it triggers in you the aspirational impulse, the desire to go for it. What you aspire for, or to, acts as a polar star, a guide, a road map. It is both the match which ignites the fuse of your rocket and part of the rocket fuel itself. Aspire is a pulling-toward, encouraging, uplifting energy. It assists you in marshaling enabling resources. Aspire inspires. It’s creative. It’s healthy.

To experience jealousy (and its companions, envy and greed) is to focus on feeling that you are less-than, in some way diminished by what “they” have or do and which you don’t.

Jealousy is fear-based, focused on your perceived lack, an experience of powerlessness. At its core it is victimhood. It drains you and pulls you down.

Some people confuse the energy of aspiring, assuming it is greed. They might benefit from looking deeper within themselves to discover the natural, healthy, motivating energy inherent in aspiration.

 

Coaching Point: To what do you aspire?

 

Copyright 2012 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.