Surpassing Ourselves
Setting goals inspired by people we
admire and respect is an effective way to live a meaningful life. We are
fortunate if such role models are close to us, but even if they are not, we can
still look up to people living in our time—or even those from the past. Of
course, we may never fully catch up to them, but anyone can move closer to
their example. What is often overlooked, however, is that the true person we
should strive to surpass is not others, but our past self. Today, surpass who
we were yesterday; tomorrow, surpass who we are today. By continuing this quiet
yet steady pursuit, we can grow deeply and meaningfully—both in our abilities
and in our character.
