Why am I not rich and famous?

Ever scroll through social media, comparing your life to the seemingly perfect, picture-perfect lives of others, and wonder, "Why not me?" You're not alone. In a world obsessed with achievement and instant gratification, the pressure to be successful can feel like a suffocating weight on our shoulders. But what if the real key to happiness lies not in chasing external validation, but in freeing ourselves from the very definition of "success" imposed upon us?

Society bombards us with expectations: own a house, get a fancy car, land a high-paying job, check the marriage and kids boxes by a certain age. These arbitrary milestones become "imaginary deadlines" looming in our minds, fueling anxiety and a constant sense of inadequacy. We chase promotions, bigger paychecks, and the latest trends, mistaking them for happiness, only to find ourselves feeling empty and unfulfilled.

The Pitfalls of External Validation

This relentless chase for external validation manifests in two key ways.

1. The Delusion of Instant Gratification: We chase after unrealistic goals, believing the filtered reality of TV shows and social media to be the true measure of success. This breeds constant dissatisfaction and a nagging "why not me?" feeling, pushing us to prioritize external validation over genuine fulfillment.

2. The Burden of Imaginary Deadlines: We succumb to societal expectations, setting arbitrary deadlines for marriage, career milestones, and material possessions. This constant pressure to "win" at life makes us miss the present moment, trapping us in a never-ending chase towards a future that may never arrive.

Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

Fortunately, there's a way out of this self-imposed prison. Here's how to break free and find true fulfillment.

• Define Success on Your Terms: What brings you purpose and accomplishment? Forget society's mold, chase your own fulfillment.

• Your Timeline, Your Pace: Success isn't a race. Celebrate your milestones and focus on your unique journey, not someone else's.

• Savor the Present: Don't miss out on today chasing tomorrow's dreams. Be present, appreciate what you have, and find joy in the ride.

• Find Worth Within: Let go of needing approval. Your value comes from you, not fleeting likes or opinions.

The pressure to be "successful" is often an illusion, a mirage created by societal expectations and amplified by media portrayals. True happiness lies in breaking free from this pressure, embracing your authentic self, and defining your own path to fulfillment.

So, step off the treadmill of societal expectations, take a deep breath, and start living a life that truly resonates with you. This path may not lead you to riches and fame, but it will lead you to a life that is richer and more fulfilling in ways you never imagined.

Break free, be you, and design your own happily ever after.