To Be or To Do

Similar idea to Character vs. Reputation.

From Ego Is the Enemy.

To be somebody or to do something

In life, we often will come to a fork in the road. And we need to make a decision about which direction we want to go.

1. If you go that way you can be somebody. You will turn your back on your friends, but you will be a member of the club and you will get promoted and you will get good assignments.
2. If you go the other way, you can do something - something for your country and for yourself. You may not get promoted and you won’t be a favorite, but you won’t have to compromise yourself. Your work might actually make a difference.

Whatever we seek to do in life, reality intrudes our youthful Idealism. Reality comes is many forms: incentives, commitments, recognition and politics.

They redirect us from doing to being. From earning to pretending. Ego aids in that deception every step of the way.

Appearances are deceiving

Being promoted doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing good work and it doesn’t mean you are worthy of promotion.

Don’t ask “Who do I want to be in life?“. Ask “What is it that I want to accomplish in life?”

All bark no bite. All talk no walk.

When you face the choice of To Be or To Do, think about:

• Do I need this? Or is it really about Ego?
• Am I ready to make the right decision? Or do the prizes still glitter off in the distance?