The concept of “more”—wanting more, striving for more, and achieving more—arises from one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence: comparison. Every day, as we navigate through our lives, we are surrounded by excellence, creativity, and mastery in various forms. We see people succeeding, overcoming challenges, and accomplishing great things. In these moments of exposure to greatness, something happens inside of us. We begin to measure ourselves, our results, and our lives against these examples. The notion of “more” is born in this gap, in the difference between where we are and where we want to be.
At some level, everyone recognizes this. You are constantly comparing yourself to others, whether consciously or not. When you see someone achieve something great, part of you immediately reflects on your own progress. How does their success measure against yours? How does their level of mastery compare to your own efforts? This automatic comparison is what sparks the recognition of a gap—a gap between who you are now and who you could become, between what you have now and what you desire for your future. Unless you are entirely disconnected from your inner awareness, you know this gap exists.
This awareness is not just external. It’s not merely that you see others achieving greatness or experiencing success, though that certainly triggers the awareness. The real source of the desire for more comes from within. You can imagine a better version of yourself. You can visualize a life where you’ve achieved the things you long for, where you’ve closed that gap between potential and reality. This internal vision of “more” fuels the restlessness you feel, that subtle (or sometimes glaring) sense of dissatisfaction with where you are now. The more clearly you see what’s possible, the more you feel the pull to change, to grow, and to strive for something greater.
The concept of “more” is deeply linked to the human experience of longing and aspiration. It stems from our ability to imagine, to see ourselves beyond the current moment, and to envision possibilities that don’t yet exist. This imaginative capacity is a double-edged sword: it can bring joy and inspiration, but it can also stir feelings of inadequacy and restlessness. You are keenly aware of what you have not yet achieved, and this awareness can be both a burden and a gift.
When you feel the discomfort of this gap between where you are and where you want to be, you are experiencing a call—a call to action, to change, to growth. This call is the inner inkling to do something about the difference between your current reality and the potential you know exists within you. The discomfort is not something to be avoided or ignored, but rather something to be embraced. It is the fire that fuels your journey towards more.
What’s essential to recognize is that comparison, while often painted in a negative light, is not inherently bad. It is comparison that drives us to improve, to seek greater heights, and to push beyond our limitations. It’s not about becoming obsessed with others or fixated on external validation. Rather, it’s about using the awareness that comes from comparison to ignite your inner drive. When you see someone achieve something great, the correct response is not jealousy or despair, but curiosity and determination. What can you learn from them? How can their success inspire your own growth?
The gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel daunting at times. It’s easy to focus on what you lack, on the things you haven’t yet accomplished. But this gap should not be a source of despair—it is a signpost, a marker of potential. The very fact that you can see the gap, that you are aware of the difference between your current self and your envisioned self, means that you are capable of closing it.
The concept of “more” isn’t about mindlessly chasing success for the sake of achievement. It’s about growth, evolution, and becoming the fullest version of yourself. It’s about striving for mastery in whatever form that takes for you, whether in your personal life, career, creative endeavors, or relationships. This desire for more is not about greed or dissatisfaction, but about the innate human impulse to progress and improve. It’s the drive that has propelled individuals and societies forward throughout history.
In conclusion, the concept of “more” is born out of the very natural human tendency to compare ourselves to others and to our own potential. This comparison, far from being a source of despair, is a call to action. It is an invitation to close the gap between who you are and who you could become. You already know the difference exists because you can see it in others and, more importantly, you can imagine a better version of yourself. The call to do something about it is always there, pushing you toward growth, mastery, and ultimately, a more fulfilled life.