Why Chasing Success Leads To Failure

Summary

This video explores how the pursuit of success can paradoxically lead to failure and unhappiness. It contrasts 'success chasers' who never find contentment despite achieving their goals with 'hedonistic gamers' who endlessly seek pleasure without satisfaction. The speaker, a former psychiatrist, introduces the concept of the 'treadmill effect,' where joy from achievements is fleeting. Drawing on neuroscience and yogic principles, the video suggests a solution: increasing the pause for reflection between achievements to absorb the lessons and joy from each success, leading to improved life satisfaction.

Takeaways

• 🎯 Chasing success can lead to a never-ending cycle of wanting more, even after achieving goals.
• 😔 People may experience unhappiness despite achieving what they thought would bring them joy.
• 🏃‍♂️ The 'success treadmill' refers to the constant striving for more after achieving a goal, without lasting contentment.
• 🎮 Both high-achieving individuals and those indulging in hedonistic pursuits can find themselves on their respective treadmills.
• 🧠 The brain is wired for survival, not lasting happiness, which is why it keeps enjoyment fleeting.
• 🤔 Reflecting on achievements and experiences can lead to greater satisfaction and learning from them.
• 🧘‍♂️ The practice of pausing and reflecting can help in breaking the cycle of constant pursuit and dissatisfaction.
• 🌟 Success-oriented individuals often use dissatisfaction as a driver for further improvement, which is adaptive in a competitive world.
• 🚫 The traditional mindfulness approach of letting go of desires may not be suitable for everyone, especially those deeply attached to their ambitions.
• 🔄 Pausing between tasks and reflecting on accomplishments can lead to improved performance and a more content state of mind.

Q & A

What is the main idea discussed in the script?

The script discusses how the pursuit of success and happiness often leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness due to the nature of the 'success treadmill' and 'hedonistic treadmill'.

What are the two groups of patients mentioned in the script?

The two groups of patients mentioned are 'success chasers' who are always striving for more despite achieving their goals, and 'hedonistic gamers' who are constantly seeking pleasure but never find lasting satisfaction.

What is the 'success treadmill'?

The 'success treadmill' is a concept where individuals continuously strive for more success, achieving goals but never finding lasting contentment, always moving on to the next objective.

What is the 'hedonistic treadmill'?

The 'hedonistic treadmill' refers to the cycle of constantly seeking pleasure or immediate gratification, such as playing video games or indulging in food, without achieving long-term satisfaction.

How does the script relate the experiences of 'success chasers' and 'hedonistic gamers'?

Despite their different pursuits, both groups experience a similar cycle of striving and not finding lasting happiness or contentment, indicating a common psychological pattern.

What is the role of Blinkist in the script?

Blinkist is mentioned as a sponsor of the video. It is an app that condenses non-fiction books and podcasts into 15-minute summaries, which the speaker finds helpful for understanding complex topics efficiently.

What is the common issue the speaker identifies with both groups of patients?

The common issue is that both groups are never satisfied with their achievements or experiences, always seeking the next thing without reflecting on the joy or value of what they have already accomplished.

What is the speaker's suggestion to break the cycle of dissatisfaction?

The speaker suggests increasing the window of reflection between completing one task and starting the next, to allow the brain to absorb lessons and potentially find more contentment.

What is the significance of the 'pause and reflect' technique mentioned in the script?

The 'pause and reflect' technique is significant because it allows individuals to evaluate their feelings and experiences after achieving a goal, potentially leading to increased contentment and a better understanding of one's desires.

How does the script connect the concept of 'pause and reflect' with the agori Babas?

The script connects 'pause and reflect' with the agori Babas by illustrating how these individuals use reflection to conquer fears and improve their lives, suggesting that a similar practice can help others find contentment.

What are the four questions the speaker recommends asking oneself after achieving a goal?

The four questions are: 1) What was the build-up to the event like? 2) How did you feel when you were doing the thing? 3) How did you feel after you did the thing? 4) How long did the contentment last?