Success is a tricky thing.
We chase it like a dog after a speeding car, thinking that once we catch it, life will magically make sense. We believe that climbing the corporate ladder, hitting big milestones, or earning fat paychecks will unlock happiness.
Credit: DALL·E
But here’s what no one tells you: Many of the most “successful” people are miserable.
The Silent Epidemic of the Unhappy Elite
I’ve read books.
Watched videos.
Listened to interviews.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned — it’s this:
The people who climb the corporate ladder are NOT happy.
They either hate their work but can’t quit because they’ve invested decades into it.
Or they’re so obsessed with work that they forgot to build a personal life.
Or they’re hooked on the status, fame, and respect that their job gives them, terrified of losing it if they slow down.
I Wanted to Be Like Them
I used to look at high achievers and think:
“Damn, I want to be like that.”
So I started planning. Constantly.
What to learn.
What skills to master.
Which next big thing to chase.
Recently, I even posted a personal 2025 plan online for the first time ever.
We tell ourselves lies to keep going:
I’ll be happy when I get the promotion.
I’ll be happy when I hit six figures.
I’ll be happy when I finally have my own business.
I’ll be happy once my net worth reaches a million dollars.
Then, Burnout Hit Me Like a Truck
I’m almost at the end of my 20s.
And let me tell you — I’ve lost count of how many times I felt completely drained.
Recently, I dived into how money is created. The deeper I went, the more I realized:
The system is rigged.
That’s a topic for another day.
On top of that, I’ve been forcing myself to learn skills I suck at, all while trying to do well at my job.
Public speaking? Still garbage.
Technical skills? Could be better.
And the worst part? My mind won’t shut up.
Whenever I take it easy, I hear this voice:
“Dude, people would KILL to have your job. And you’re out here slacking?!”
So I hustle harder.
Burn myself out.
And the cycle repeats.
The Root of This Mental Mess
All of this traces back to childhood conditioning.
I grew up in a middle-class, tiger-parent household.
“Look at Sharma’s kid! First in class!”
“Wow, those kids dance so well! Why don’t you?”
Meanwhile, I was sitting alone, dreaming about the future.
And then — something big happened.
My Tiger Mom Was Wrong
Today is a big day.
Because after years of debate, my mom finally admitted something:
“One person can’t be good at everything.”
I almost fell out of my chair.
For YEARS, she drilled the opposite into my head. And now? She’s saying it herself.
That moment felt like 100 pounds lifting off my shoulders.
What This Means for You
- Your parents shape your worldview — even after you grow up.
- Your parents are human too. They get things wrong. You’re allowed to change your beliefs.
I’m not saying argue with them. I’m saying find peace within yourself.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.
The New Plan: Chill Out
I’m done obsessing over self-improvement.
For now, I’m:
✅ Not reading another self-help book.
✅ Not chasing the next big thing.
✅ Not starting another newsletter (even though I have ideas).
I’ll still write here — not for subscribers, not for algorithms, but just to share.
If it helps someone now, great. If not, maybe it will someday.
Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to wake up at 70, realizing I forgot to enjoy life.
And maybe, just maybe, neither do you.
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton
Originally published at https://mastermentee.com
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