The Tao Of Living Free
Why Life Should Not Be Tied Solely to Economic Output
Life is much more than our jobs or economic contributions. In a society that often equates success with productivity, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The constant pressure to meet societal standards of “success” can strip away the deeper meanings of life, leading us to prioritize work and material achievements over well-being and fulfillment.
Speaking to a few friends recently made me realise that there is a sense of discontent among younger people when it comes to aspiring to the things that once made perfect sense. Things like being driven by material desires, improving one’s social status just for the sake of impressing other people and making more and more money to try to quench our never ending desire to be better than our peer competitors who are really just as miserable as us as we keep trying to find success in this hyper-capitalistic world. :(
The Trap of Comparison
In a capitalistic world, we are often driven by the desire to be perceived as successful. This leads to a cycle of comparison, where we measure ourselves against others without understanding their struggles. We tend to only see their external achievements — their wealth, status, or fame — while remaining blind to the sacrifices they made to get there.
Comparison can fuel a sense of superiority, as if being “better” than someone else will bring lasting satisfaction. But this mindset is rooted in ego, not fulfillment. How many entrepreneurs have sacrificed their health, personal relationships, or happiness to reach the pinnacle of success? The reality is, true contentment comes not from being better than others, but from being at peace with oneself.
The Habit of Complaining
We complain because we feel trapped, unable to reach the positions of those we envy. Complaints often stem from a sense of injustice or frustration with societal structures, but they don’t address the deeper issue — a dissatisfaction with ourselves and our place in the world. Complaining may offer temporary relief, but it does little to resolve the underlying feelings of resentment and powerlessness.
Instead of using complaints to justify our feelings of inadequacy, we should shift our focus inward. What truly defines success for us? What do we value beyond the metrics of societal approval? By reframing our goals, we can break free from the constant cycle of dissatisfaction.
The Competition Mindset
From a young age, we are taught that competition is essential for success. We compete in school, sports, business, and even relationships, believing that outperforming others will lead to a better life. Society often encourages a “player vs. player” mentality, where the goal is to climb to the top at the expense of others. This mindset aligns with the demands of capitalism, which values economic output and productivity over personal well-being.
But constant competition takes a toll on mental and emotional health. Many hyper-successful individuals will tell you that their achievements came at a steep cost — sacrificing time, relationships, and even their health in the pursuit of success. These are things that, once lost, cannot be regained.
Embracing a Life of Balance
Success, in its truest form, should not be measured by how much we produce or how we compare to others. A life worth living embraces balance — time for personal growth, meaningful relationships, and health. Economic output is only one facet of our existence, but it should not define our entire lives.
By stepping away from the societal demands of constant comparison, complaining, and competition, we can cultivate a life rooted in authenticity and purpose. Instead of striving to meet external definitions of success, we can redefine success on our own terms — focusing on what brings true happiness, fulfillment, and peace.
