Driving, pushing, constantly focusing, and refocusing on that goal far off on the horizon. Sound familiar?

This is the tape loop playing in my head daily, the continual thoughts always lying under all other thoughts. I’ve been feeling the pressure of time, of the ticking clock. So much self-applied pressure and an overriding feeling that seems like the opposite of joy, but not quite misery… Maybe a kind of static slow burn. A sense of being stuck in a big pool of molasses, thick, viscous, and way too slow for my head.

What is it we’re so intent on finding?

Maybe the reality here feels closer to a cartoon-like mirage. You know the old classic; in the desert, crawling, parched, salty, there are a few palm trees and a beautiful shimmer of water way, way off in the distance. Sure does seem real, but it’s just a cartoon.

If I’m honest with myself, the picture in my mind of success is closer to that cartoon than reality. I don’t know what the hell “real” success looks like, but I know in my gut it’s not just money, fame, kudos, recognition, etc.

Maybe paying attention to when things feel right can give a few clues. For me, the times I feel my best are when I’m in the middle of “doing,” immersed in the process, and losing myself inside that energy. Following this logic tells me that maybe trusting the process, doing the work, and being aware of the joy of the flow is the correct path.

Maybe that’s the real success, and the end result will take care of itself.

It sure beats chasing a cartoon mirage.