Dooley Noted: 9/16/2013
I have never been one to need accolades, especially for things I have a blast doing in this life.
But this past year, I’ve realized how truly pointless ego is.
Exhibit A
I am a member of the StrongFirst community, a beautiful group of people who lift heavy things and live by a principle set. But no one outside of us knows who we are.
When I was in shock and awe meeting Dave Whitley (Master SFG) last year, he shook his head and said, “I’m just a guy, Dooley.”
Just a guy that bends iron with his hands.
Exhibit B
I am an NKT instructor. While the NKT family knows each other widely, no one outside of us knows who we are.
When I met my now boss and NKT founder David Weinstock, he hugged me and said, “It’s so good to meet you.”
So good to meet ME.
Exhibit C
While currently teaching anatomy for 5 schools, I am surrounded by what I’m convinced are the most brilliant people on the planet. But no one outside of us knows who we are.
At dinner with a colleague, I was starry-eyed as I introduced a boss to another colleague. He had no clue who my boss was, even though his name is on at least 5 textbooks.
None of those three men in Exhibits A-C knows the other, even though they are huge in their circles.
So, here is the labored point.
Ego is stupid.
The name you’ve built for yourself barely exists outside your circle – if at all.
Do it all because you love it. At the end of the day, it’s your life you’ve lived.
Surround yourself with people that inspire you, and not to achieve “success.”
I’ve had success. It doesn’t feel like anything but a need to set more goals of awesome things to do.
Just do good work and help others. Everybody wins.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley