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FAREWELL

092 - How to Get Off the Achievement Treadmill

Nov 18, 2024
Explore the relentless pursuit of success and its psychological effects on ambitious individuals. Discover how the concept of 'achievement treadmill' can lead to emptiness rather than contentment. Delve into the Greek idea of arete, focusing on excellence beyond victory. Insights from an Olympic gold medalist reveal that true fulfillment comes from within, not just accolades. Finally, learn to prioritize personal growth and curiosity over mere results for a more meaningful journey.
15:49

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Quick takeaways

  • The relentless pursuit of achievement can lead to a feeling of emptiness, as true fulfillment often remains elusive despite reaching goals.
  • Shifting focus from external accolades to personal growth and excellence encourages a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in one's journey.

Deep dives

Understanding Compulsive Becoming

The feeling of compulsive becoming is a common experience among high achievers, characterized by a relentless pursuit of the next goal or achievement. This phenomenon can lead individuals to feel that true fulfillment is always just out of reach, creating a cycle of chasing after successes without achieving lasting satisfaction. The concept of craving, as discussed in Buddhist philosophy, illustrates this struggle, where the desire for achievement can disguise a lack of true direction and purpose. Individuals often find themselves stuck in a repetitive cycle, believing that the next accomplishment will finally bring contentment, only to discover it results in more longing.

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