The More Trap: Why Chasing Success Leaves Us Empty. (4 min 27 sec)

The ego's relentless drive for "more" is a trap that ensnares most of us. It leads us down a path of perpetual dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. This insatiable desire for accumulation - be it wealth, possessions, achievements, or experiences - is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what truly brings happiness.

Consider the words of Jim Carrey, who famously said, "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer." Will Smith echoed this sentiment, admitting that despite reaching the pinnacle of success in Hollywood, he still felt empty inside.

Tom Shadyac, the director behind blockbuster comedies like "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Bruce Almighty," experienced a profound shift in perspective after achieving immense financial success. His documentary "I Am" explores his journey from living in a 17,000-square-foot mansion to downsizing to a mobile home park and riding a bicycle as his primary mode of transportation. Shadyac's films collectively grossed over $2 billion at the box office, yet he found that material excess did not equate to happiness.

The ego's thought system convinces us that more is always better. More money will solve our problems. More sex will fulfill our desires. More physical space, more cars, more travel - the list is endless. We chase higher income brackets, moving from six figures to seven, then eight, and beyond, always believing that the next milestone will finally bring contentment. But it never does.

This pursuit of "more" extends beyond material possessions. We seek to be "rich and famous," failing to recognize the devastating consequences that come with such status. We aspire to "be a boss," without questioning why we need to exert control over others. We dream of "building an empire," not realizing its ephemeral nature.

Even travel, seen as a path to enlightenment, falls into this trap. As the saying goes, "Wherever you go, there you are." Whether sitting, standing, or lying down, the fundamental experience of being human remains unchanged by location.

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) teaches us that true fulfillment comes not from external acquisitions or achievements, but from inner peace and love. The ego's pursuit of more is based on the false belief that we are separate from our Source and from each other. This perceived lack drives us to constantly seek outside ourselves for completion.

ACIM reminds us that we are already complete and whole. Our task is not to acquire more, but to remove the blocks to our awareness of love's presence. The course states, "Seek not outside yourself. For it will fail, and you will weep each time an idol falls."

Instead of chasing after more, we can choose to cultivate gratitude for what we already have. We can focus on deepening our relationships, both with ourselves and others. We can find joy in simple pleasures and meaningful experiences rather than material excess.

The next time you feel the urge to pursue "more," pause and ask yourself: What am I really seeking? Is it truly this external thing, or is it a feeling of peace, love, or worthiness? How can I cultivate those qualities within myself, rather than seeking them outside?

Remember, the ego's promise of fulfillment through accumulation is a mirage. True satisfaction comes from aligning with our authentic selves and recognizing our inherent completeness. It's not about having more, but about being more - more present, more loving, more at peace with who we truly are.

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