Chasing prestige and money can be a destructive obsession. Often, people invest a fortune in education, endure jobs they hate, tolerate terrible bosses, neglect their dreams, and eventually regret many of their life choices. It seems the real secret to happiness might be found in focusing on purpose and shedding the desire for status.
I met a man named John at a financial conference who had an interesting startup idea aimed at simplifying the mortgage documentation process. Despite the potential of his idea, the execution still demanded a lot from the user, hardly simplifying anything at all. Though his intentions were good, the product itself remained impractical.
At a later conference, John shared that he was still struggling to launch even a basic version of his product and had spent a considerable amount on conference fees without any real progress. Despite these professional setbacks, John found personal satisfaction in the networking opportunities and the recognition his title at these events provided him.
Sadly, John’s story is a reflection of many who chase the allure of prestige over practical and fulfilling achievements. The desire for recognition can often lead to unfulfilling paths both personally and professionally. It’s important to reflect on what genuinely brings joy and fulfillment rather than pursuing superficial status.
In my own journey, I’ve learned that real satisfaction comes from creating something meaningful. Whether it’s starting a blog or a business, the act of creating and contributing something unique is infinitely more rewarding than any job title or external validation.
Ultimately, letting go of the need for prestige and focusing on what truly matters—like purpose, creativity, and personal fulfillment—can lead to a much richer and happier life. If you find your purpose, or your ‘ikigai’, as the Japanese call it, you’ll likely discover that the most fulfilling parts of life come from what you create, not what you accumulate.
