I recently watched a documentary describing why Swedish people were among the happiest in the world. And one reason really struck with me. They have no incentive to get paid more because that puts them in a higher tax bracket, leaving them with the same income as those who get paid less. So not only do they not chase more success and wealth but they are free from the guilt of not doing so!
It made me realise that so much of our stress and depression comes from feeling we have to reach a certain goal. We feel constantly guilty when not working towards that goal, we feel jealous of those who have got it, we feel inadequate for not having reached that goal.
But what if we couldn't achieve our goals, no matter what?
What would happen if nobody could achieve their goals? That way you would not feel guilty, because you know there is no point forcing yourself because you wont achieve it anyway. You would not feel jealous because nobody else is getting what you want. You would be free from the tyranny of ambition. Free to pursue dreams and goals that actually make you fulfilled and happy.
And studies have shown increased happiness makes you more likely to achieve.
Food for thought.