Since I was about 16, this has been my motto. I read it somewhere and found it to be the most inspirational sentence I'd ever seen.
For the most part, it worked. It made me more confident. Finally, I started to sing in other places than the bathroom, had the guts to talk to boys, and, a little later in life, it got me two master's degrees.
The only problem is that I now seem unable to do anything but striving to achieve. I want to be the best editor and writer, the best singer, the best girlfriend and so on and so forth. It has begun to take it's toll.
Because when do you stop with the 'bigger, better, faster, more'-thought? When have goals been achieved? I have a nice job, but I could at least try to become editor-in-chief. My band is great, but we've only played one gig. Shouldn't I want to have a record deal? Our house is a home, but never spotless. My friends and family are so close to my heart, but shouldn't I try to spend more time with them?
It has left me with a complete inability to just 'be'. Lying on the couch watching a movie without at least thinking about 'achievements' has become a rarity.
And then a couple of days ago, it hit me. Is my boss a happier person than me? Maybe, maybe not. But she is not happier or unhappier than I am because of her job alone. Are those musicians I look up to happier than me? Again: maybe, maybe not. But it is not just what they do for a living that makes them happy or unhappy. Just as in my life, there are so many other factors that influence their happiness.
You can be the CEO of the world's most succesful company, or the best musician that ever walked the earth. If you or one of your loved ones is sick, or if you are lonesome, or insecure or whatever, I can't imagine the fame or fortune taking the pain away.
It's time to just try to achieve to be happy. Anyone got a manual?
(Rat Race-picture: richgrad.com)
