Today's Daily Dharma from Tricycle:
I Will Benefit All BeingsBefore we do anything, we should always ask ourselves whether we will be able to do it properly and complete it. If the answer is no, we should not start. Leaving tasks uncompleted creates a habit for the future. So once we have begun something, we should be sure not to go back on our decision. Self-confidence is not to be confused with pride. Pride is thinking highly of oneself without good reason. Self-confidence is knowing that one has the ability to do something properly and being determined not to give up. Ordinary beings are prepared to make a good deal of effort for relatively insignificant ends. We have promised to work for the immensely more important goal of liberating all beings, so we should cultivate great self-confidence, thinking, Even if I am the only one to do so, I will benefit all beings.
~ The Dalai Lama, A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night
beautiful illustration. you are absolutely right. if you start something you can not complete that can lead to frustration, struggle, irritation, pressure, stress etc. staying confident is one way to continue and finish what you have started.
ReplyDeleteto me pride has to do with feeeling "proud" that you completed something. it is not associated with getting the job done; it is an after the job is done feeling.