Ever sit and wonder at how life could be if I have this or that in my life? I think we all tend to daydream from time to time. All of us have goals and dreams that we strive to reach and attain. We are taught to pursue these objectives. While browsing the Internet, the definitions I found from the web for the word pursue are as follows:
1. To follow with a view to overtake; to follow eagerly, or with haste; to chase; as, to pursue a hare.
2. To seek; to use or adopt measures to obtain; as, to pursue a remedy at law.
3. To proceed along, with a view to some and or object; to follow; to go in; as, Captain Cook pursued a new route; the administration pursued a wise course.
4. To prosecute; to be engaged in; to continue.
5. To follow as an example; to imitate.
6. To follow with enmity; to persecute; to call to account.
As you can see, it sounds as though pursuing is a way to chase and follow the path to success and not give up until we reach manifestation, but I believe there’s a better approach. Replace the word pursue with attract. The definitions I found for the word attract are as follows:
1. To cause to draw near or adhere by physical force: Magnetic poles are attracted to their opposites.
2. To arouse or compel the interest, admiration, or attention of: We were attracted by the display of lights.
3. To possess or use the power of attraction.
You are probably wondering what the difference between attracting and pursuing is. My interpretation is that when you attract, you “adjust” yourself and change your perspectives, intentions, actions, and ideas; whereas, the pursuit of something involves continually progressing and working hard to accomplishing the initial plan. I have learned one valuable lesson in life and it is that you don’t necessarily have to work hard all the time. Instead, there are opportunities for you to work smart.
A good example of pursuing versus attracting would be acquiring the abundance of wealth. People that tend to pursue will usually work really hard, strive toward their goals, and usually aren’t content until their goals are fulfilled. The ones that choose to attract money will probably introduce changes in their lives and homes, such as practicing Feng Shui and having a positive outlook. These small changes might be unrelated to their pursuit and might not do anything at all, but it will have an impact on their mindset.
Just like my experiences with courting women, you can’t put people or things on a pedestal; you will most likely drive them away! In the case of attracting the opposite sex, you are making it easier on yourself and their pursuit much more interesting and exciting. Ever since the creation of mankind, we have all learned to enjoy the chase and challenges. It’s part of our human nature. Therefore, it seems more logically sound to attract than to pursue.
When you attract, you make yourself better and it makes the journey much easier. It’s really just mind over matter. When you start to attract, you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but you will see the pursuit as a much smoother, exciting, and enjoyable journey.
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“Ever sit and wonder at how life could be if I have this or that in my life?” Everyday Taney, every single day.
I’ve read this blog entry at least 3 times and it’s given me a lot to think about. When we humans pursue and then fail- we beat ourselves up over it. Rather if we were to “attract” there wouldn’t be failure?
I need to practice this attracting over pursuing. Thanks Taney =)
Hi Taney, what a wonderful post. The distinction between attracting and pursuing is just spot on. Only last night, I was discussing something similar with my nephew, a young 19yo who is negotiating the transition from completely dependent child to increasingly independent adult. I just read your post to him. The message has hit home – we can enjoy the company, respect, trust of others by being respectful, trustworthy and friendly ourselves rather than seeking to manipulate their opinions and trust with insincere and deceptive behaviors. As you so rightly say, attracting involves changing our intentions and goals. In my experience, it involve reaching into the greatness and goodness that we naturally are. And, yes, it does make the journey soooo much easier and so much more enjoyable.