We’re born imperfect

The biggest reason why life is about creating ourselves is because we’re born imperfect, which means we have to develop ourselves to get better, to live a more fulfilling life, and to become more virtuous.

That’s why I consider the sentence, “You’re perfect just the way you are” which we typically start saying from a young age is such a foolish, and untrue thing to tell. Much better would be, “You’re doing a fine job, but you could be even better.” That indicates that they’re on the right path, but that they can be much better if they decide to truly apply themselves.

Not all our value is predetermined by birth

I don’t consider life to be about finding ourselves since while it is true that our genes matter, and that certain roles are more or less predetermined by biological facts outside our control such as our sex, height, and age, that’s not all there’s to it. Life’s much more complex than that.

We can become more skilled, learn new abilities, and take on many critical challenges that need to be solved or improved. All activities that bring value and meaning to our existence, and to society as a whole.

Life is difficult, and we have to develop ourselves

Life is extremely complicated, far too complex to know it all. We have to actively create ourselves before we can thrive. Not to mention that improving ourselves is a tough and long-winded process, no matter how talented and hardworking you might be.

Still, it’s worth it. In the end, this continuous self-improvement plays a big part in what makes life worth living. Simply giving in to our hedonistic desires might sound like an attractive alternative way of living, but it would become dull very quickly. Satisfying all our senses would become so common that it would probably lose all its value compared to doing so sporadically.

We have to learn many lessons

We need many teachings and life lessons from those around us before we can grow up to be decent, well-put-together individuals.

While we typically try to avoid pain and uncomfortable situations such as making errors or engaging in novel circumstances, they’re vital to stimulate growth.

Our faults incentivize us to develop because we want to avoid the negative sensations typically associated with guilt, such as anxiousness and uncomfortableness. So while we dislike fear, it has a very important function in our existence because it stimulates us to become a better person.

Failures and mistakes are required to get better

As previously addressed, being courageous enough to try novel things means we’re bound to make mistakes eventually, and that we’re going to fail along the road. Nevertheless, that’s a blessing in disguise, since that’s required if we wish to evolve.

Sure, it’s typically not a pleasant experience to make errors, and even less enjoyable having to admit making these errors to ourselves and others, but it’s what will separate the great from the average individuals.

You must be daring enough to walk your unique path if you wish to create the best possible version of yourself. And that might mean walking down a road no one has ever wandered before you. Everyone is different, which inherently means that there’s not a single way that’s best for everyone out there to take.