The sound of one hand clapping...

I can still remember my Primary school homework where it all started - how I would sit on the carpet looking up at my mother who would flip the word cards in front of me.  She put in a lot of effort in my education and I was determined to make her proud. I would put my report card in my parents hands and wait for the recognition to follow. It usually did - with great pride! I felt fulfilled in every way.

Today I live for the feeling that comes with achieving something great and I strive for the acknowledgment from others! Only the older we get the higher we set the standard for ourselves to really feel satisfied with our accomplishments. Years later there is really no one to impress other than myself. The effort we put in is only for ourselves, our personal future goals and our unique dreams which we alone have chosen.  

In the end our drive to success is for our own benefit. When we reap the reward, our own pride should be enough to carry us further. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back every once in a while - we should embrace this sound of one hand clapping.