You've set a great goal.
You’ve poured all your discipline into achieving it.
And then… you did it.
But there’s no pleasure in the achievement.
Just a sense of emptiness and unfulfilled expectations.
Sound familiar?
Do you ever think:
"I should’ve accomplished more by now."
"I’ll be happy once I reach ‘there.’"
"I feel guilty whenever I take a break."
You’re not alone.
There's a fascinating study on Olympic athletes that might surprise you.
Bronze medalists are happier than silver medalists.
Sounds ridiculous?
Bronze medalists compare downward - they’re grateful they got a medal at all.
Silver medalists compare upward - they were so close to gold but didn’t make it.
This shows us something important:
Happiness isn’t about how close you are to the top. It’s about perspective.
We often compare ourselves to those ahead, and it robs us of joy.
But the only person you should be comparing yourself to is you.
Remind yourself:
You are not your work.
Your worth isn’t measured by your achievements.
Learn to be content in the present.
Find fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination.
Here’s how you can start:
Take regular breaks to recharge.
Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded.
Spend time with family and friends - real connections bring real joy.
Happiness isn’t something you’ll find "there."
It’s something you create here.
If you’re stuck chasing the finish line, this one brings you back to now:
The Art of Not Giving a F*ck
So true! We often fall into the trap of obsessing over the destination and totally forgetting to focus on the journey. That's a surefire way to end up demotivated or even worse.
Thanks for sharing this concise and insightful article - it's a great reminder to appreciate the process and find joy in the present moment, rather than always chasing that next achievement.