One thing which I’ve never fully understood about people is their fixation on personal titles, ranks, or statuses. People are so engrossed with their ego and place much emphasis on what others think, that often times they loose sight of what really is important.

Its often said that the journey is more important than the destination, but I don’t entirely agree. Its the journey which gives the destination a meaning, and its the destination that gives the journey a purpose. They both must exist in order for them to hold value, and are thus intertwined.

Sure, I understand the need for some people to have a title or a rank, and it may seem like a great goal to strive for a director or VP title, but those people are letting themselves be defined by their titles. It should be the other way around!

Being defined by the title or rank one holds in life is allowing oneself to be defined based on the preconceived notions of that title. They fail to realize that by letting their title define them, they are simply being complacent to the status quo. If President Elect Barrack Obama allows himself to be defined by President George Bush’s blunders, then will the world really be any different? Holding himself to the standards of President Bush’s decision/policy making would truly be a tragedy, so instead he has created his own identity. “Yes we can!” “Change we can believe in.” These are some of the Obama Campaign’s favorite mantras, and words that have helped Obama define himself as someone not willing to accept complacency.

Senator John McCain repeatedly defined himself as a “maverick,” and did his best to distance himself from President Bush. He too is a man who understands that a job title shouldn’t define a person, but his campaign staff simply wasn’t eloquent enough with words to express that and instead opted for the “maverick” title to define McCain. The American Heritage Dictionary defines “maverick” as,

1. An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it.
2. One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group; a dissenter.

Is McCain comparing himself to an unbranded calf? How long before someone stepped up and claimed it? Would a dissenter be the best option in a time when our government truly needs to work together regardless of party affiliation? That’s besides the point…

Setting personal goals and expectations are a great way to keep yourself motivated on your journey, but don’t forget to learn and enjoy the journey towards your goals. The most important thing to remember is that by relying on titles, statuses, ranks, or even other people to define you and your emotions, you are merely a passenger on an emotional/ego roller coaster and will never be truly independent.

Technorati Tags: Rank, Status, Title