Service to others. Can there be a grander purpose? Some would say otherwise. They are stuck on the competitive plane and in ambition mode. They have been taught that to get ahead, or make it in this dog eat dog world, one must step on, and over people to succeed.
And then, it happens. They make it to the top. Pushing every ladder down behind them so none could follow them. And now they look down on others from their corner office in the sky. Then something starts to eat at them. "I was full of ambition and made it, but I am hollow inside. None of this has any meaning." And so it is with the transition from ambition to meaning.
We arrive at a certain point or age in our lives and realize that our lives have no meaning. This is often what most people call the "mid life crisis." Some of us just decide to buy more "stuff" or go on another "holiday", but the ones who figure it out resort to service. Giving back to their co-workers, family, friends, community and indeed, the world.
Each of us serves as a living example to others. Our character and conduct can show the bright glow of greatness and service, or a shadow of smallness and selfishness to the unfortunate few nearest us.
Rise above the competitive plane and begin living on the creative plane where meaning abounds. Instead of fighting others to succeed, work with others and create together. Nothing is impossible when like minds work together and no one is tied to the outcome.
Muhammad Ali put it this way, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." I totally agree.