Navigating the Quest for Fulfillment: Is B+ Enough?
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Chapter 1: The Journey of Writing
For the past two and a half years, I have immersed myself in writing online. That’s over 950 days of waking up at 5 am, wrestling with the feeling of having little to express, and gaining a modest two followers weekly. This routine has turned into a familiar comfort, reminiscent of the reassuring pain felt in your legs after a run—a constant reminder that with challenges comes discomfort.
Recently, I’ve found myself pondering what it truly takes to reach the pinnacle of success and whether I genuinely wish to ascend beyond my current position. Is the pursuit of success truly as fulfilling as it seems?
Section 1.1: Unexpected Attention
Out of the blue, I’ve received an influx of messages on Twitter—a platform where I’ve seen a sudden surge in growth. People are reaching out, asking, “Can you be my friend?” or “Would you mentor me?” It’s a surreal experience for someone at my level, with about five such inquiries popping up daily.
The math is staggering when you consider the massive creators who boast thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of devoted followers. Do they receive tenfold or even twentyfold this kind of attention? Do they find their inboxes overflowing? And do they experience guilt when the only advice they can offer is to simply “work hard”?
Subsection 1.1.1: The Nature of Success
Success has always been an elusive concept. I have long aspired to be a New York Times bestselling author, to build a business through my writing, and to leave a significant impact on the world. I yearn for thousands to receive my emails weekly, believing in the work I do.
Yet, I must confront a crucial question: Do I desire the title of a bestselling author, or is it the validation of being a “real” writer that I seek? If it’s the latter, why don’t I already feel that way?
What I must continually remind myself is that at the core of it all is the act of writing itself. Regardless of my financial situation—whether I’m living in luxury or in a humble abode—I would still rise early to write. This is what truly matters.
Section 1.2: The Never-Ending Chase
Many at the summit of their fields describe the pursuit of success as an endless endeavor. After achieving one milestone, the quest for more continues. My favorite writers have echoed this sentiment recently: “It’s never enough.” The desire for additional followers, wealth, or accolades persists, often leaving one dissatisfied.
So, I must ask myself: Is this the life I envision? Do I want to engage in a perpetual chase? While I desperately aim to be recognized as the world’s best writer, I also crave contentment with a B+.
Chapter 2: The Balance of Ambition and Peace
My greatest fear is becoming ensnared in a relentless cycle, unable to escape. While this may not seem significant, it resonates deeply with me. Throughout my life, I believed that the ultimate goal was to realize my dreams. Yet, as I edge closer to achieving them, I often find myself stepping back, questioning, “Do I truly want this?”
Perhaps this introspection indicates that pursuing so-called “success” may not be necessary, or maybe it signals that I am indeed on the right path—whatever that may mean.
The first video, Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe, captures the essence of youthful ambition and longing, reflecting on the complexities of relationships and desires.
The second video, Arctic Monkeys - I Wanna Be Yours, delves into themes of devotion and the yearning for connection, encapsulating the struggle between ambition and emotional fulfillment.
The Paradox of Success
Jim Carrey once stated, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” We strive for excellence—becoming A students, then A+ students, and so forth. Yet, it becomes clear that such achievements ultimately hold little significance.
What truly matters is the writing—the words, the craft, the artistry, and the mastery. That is where joy resides, and it’s accessible to anyone at any moment. Just write.
As I confront this reality—that this moment is as good as it gets—I begin to question why I was pursuing these dreams in the first place.
Time is Relative
Ultimately, what holds the most weight is our perception of time. In his final days, Paul Kalanithi expressed that time feels more like a state of being. When faced with mortality, a single day may feel like a year to another.
This realization makes me aware that while the chase is exhilarating, the present moment is all I truly possess. Do I wish to spend that time pursuing a reality that might not be better—perhaps even worse—than what I currently have?
The answer becomes apparent: Maybe, just maybe, I am content with a B+.
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