Serving Your Higher Self: The Path to True Fulfillment
Omer Faruk Bora
Entrepreneur | Podcaster | Innovating at the Intersection of Creativity and Technology
Alright, let’s talk about something we all face at one point or another—trying to juggle what others think about us with what we truly need to feel happy and at peace. It’s like standing in two boats heading in opposite directions. Sooner or later, you’re going to fall into the water. You’ve probably heard the saying, “No one can serve two masters.” It’s true. You can’t chase after what everyone else expects from you and still feel genuinely fulfilled. The two just don’t mix.
Think about it: how many times have you worked hard on something—not because you loved it, but because you wanted someone else to notice? Maybe it was to impress a boss, gain some likes on social media, or even just to hear a simple “Well done.” Now, don’t get me wrong, validation feels good. A compliment, a pat on the back, or a big thumbs-up can boost your mood for the day. But here’s the thing: it never lasts. You find yourself back at square one, chasing that next hit of approval. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
The truth is, peace and fulfillment don’t come from a pat on the back or a few extra likes. They come from within. I know that might sound a bit cliché, but stay with me here. Think about a time when you felt truly at ease—not because someone told you how great you were, but because you just felt aligned with yourself. Maybe it was after a long walk, doing something creative, or even just sitting quietly with your thoughts. That’s the kind of peace I’m talking about. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, but it’s real, and it sticks with you.
Now let’s be honest: chasing external validation is tempting. It’s right there, like candy for your ego. And it’s not entirely your fault. We live in a world that’s obsessed with results. How many followers do you have? How much money are you making? What’s your job title? These things become the yardstick we use to measure success, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, If I just hit that next milestone, I’ll feel complete. But you and I both know how that goes. You hit the milestone, you celebrate for a moment, and then... you’re left wanting more. Why? Because external achievements aren’t built to fill that deeper need for peace and purpose. They’re just... things.
So, what’s the alternative? It’s about shifting your focus. Instead of pouring all your energy into getting others to approve of you, what if you started serving your own higher self? I know, “higher self” sounds a little lofty, but all it really means is becoming the best version of you—not for anyone else, but for you. It’s about doing things that genuinely resonate with who you are and what you value, even if no one’s clapping for you.
Here’s the beauty of it: when you stop chasing external metrics and start focusing on what truly matters to you, a funny thing happens. You start feeling lighter. Decisions become easier because you’re no longer trying to please everyone. You’ll begin to see progress in ways that actually feel meaningful. Sure, the world might not always notice, but that’s okay. Because you will.
And let’s not forget: this isn’t about abandoning ambition or giving up on big goals. Ambition is great. It’s what keeps us moving forward. But the key is understanding why you’re pursuing those goals. Are you doing it to impress someone else, or because it aligns with who you are and what you love? If it’s the former, it’s time for a little soul-searching. If it’s the latter, keep going! That’s where the magic happens.
This shift doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice to stop caring so much about what others think. It takes patience to sit with yourself and figure out what truly brings you joy and peace. But it’s worth it. And here’s a little secret: the more you focus on serving your higher self, the less you’ll need external validation. You’ll feel fulfilled because you’ll know, deep down, that you’re living in alignment with your true self.
So, the next time you find yourself caught up in trying to prove something to someone else, pause. Ask yourself, “Who am I really doing this for?” If the answer isn’t you, it’s worth reevaluating. Remember, you can’t serve two masters. But when you choose to serve your higher self, you’re choosing peace, fulfillment, and a life that truly feels like your own. That’s where the real magic lies.