MPI Blog



Are you chasing or creating?

Are you chasing or creating?

By Janice Cardinale

I was speaking to a colleague last week, and she mentioned that a friend of hers asked if she was chasing or creating. She told me that she was chasing!

This conversation sparked my curiosity enough to want to write about it.

Whenever you chase after something, you take yourself out of the present moment where life actually happens. The future doesn’t exist yet and the past is gone. The only really meaningful place to live is in the now and that’s generally where you’ll find what you’re looking for. So, ask yourself these questions.

Are you chasing a dream?

Before you start chasing the dream, make sure that it’s YOUR dream you’re chasing! I find many people don’t get what they want in life because they’re playing out someone else’s idea of who they should be.

Are you chasing security?

Security is “the state of being protected or safe from harm.” The problem with chasing security is that there is no such thing, and if you trade your soul for it, you pay a big price.

Are you chasing money?

Everyone needs to make ends meet, but beyond that, chasing after the green stuff doesn’t make us happier.

Are you chasing material things?

Many think they’ll be happy living in a big house, wearing brand-named clothes, driving a new car and stuffing their closets full of shoes. Research shows that we’re happier when we spend money on positive experiences—like vacations—rather than material things.

Are you chasing work?

Event profs undoubtedly put in the longest work hours, leading to the most stress, burnout and anxiety. Those who are “lucky” enough to have jobs have added another day to their work week because they now check work emails and calls from home. It’s no wonder event profs try to stuff everything they can’t do at work into their off hours.

Are you chasing the latest trends?

Humans exist in a society driven by the latest ideas, gadgets, technology, etc. Trouble is, if you’re always chasing the new rage, you can lose track of who you really are and what truly turns you on.

Are you chasing happiness?

Happiness is a choice! To find it, do what brings you pleasure in the moment AND helps you reach meaningful goals in the future.

Are you chasing what’s possible?

People chase after what seems possible instead of what they’re really capable of doing because their aspirations are too limited. Don’t be too quick to mentally figure out how to follow your dreams. Especially if the answer falls outside the range of what seems possible

Are you chasing the path to success?

Success is a journey. Seeking out new paths instead of old ones will help get you there. Following someone else’s road to success is not going to get you anywhere. What does success look like to you?

I am a creator. I do not chase because I am passionate about my journey.

Are you ready to commit and change your life?


Author

Janice Cardinale

Janice Cardinale, founder of Event Minds Matter, was named among the “50 Most Influential People in the Events Industry in the U.S. and Canada” by the Eventex People's Choice Awards. She is also in the Smart Meetings Hall of Fame, among the BizBash “15 over 50,” a Reiimagine “Powerful Woman in Business” and board chair of the event management and creative design program at Seneca College. Her mission is to build brave spaces to amplify the industry’s conversation on mental health and wellness.