TLDR;
The video discusses the common feeling of being behind in life and not achieving set goals, leading to internal conflict and a sense of failure. It highlights the human tendency to quickly move on after achieving goals and the setting of numerical goals that are often influenced by external factors. The video suggests being kinder to oneself, acknowledging accomplishments, recognizing existing qualities, and setting goals that focus on effort and personal growth rather than just numbers. The key takeaway is to focus on what you can control—your effort—to feel pride and happiness regardless of the outcome.
- Feeling behind in life is a common experience.
- Humans tend to overlook their achievements and focus on the next goal.
- Setting goals based on external metrics can lead to feelings of failure.
- Being kind to oneself and acknowledging accomplishments is important.
- Focusing on effort rather than outcomes can foster pride and happiness.
Introduction: The Feeling of Being Behind [0:00]
The video starts by addressing the feeling of being behind in life, where individuals compare themselves to others and feel inadequate in terms of earnings, lifestyle, consistency, and discipline. The creator shares personal goals set for the end of 2025, including reaching 100,000 subscribers, weighing 70 kg, living in the city, and reading 50 books. The creator expresses doubt about achieving these goals, which brings about a sense of internal conflict between the desired self and the current self, and the fear of failure.
The Elusive Goalpost [0:49]
The most frustrating aspect is that every step forward seems to push the goal further away. The creator reflects that if they could have seen their current position five years ago, they would have been happy and proud. However, they don't feel that way now, highlighting the human tendency to forget accomplishments quickly and immediately move on to the next goal. This constant pursuit without acknowledging achievements creates an unsustainable way of living.
The Problem with Numerical Goals [1:44]
The video critiques setting goals based on data and values, such as specific numbers by certain times, without considering external factors that can interfere. This approach often leads to perceiving unmet goals as failures. The creator doesn't have a definitive answer but suggests starting by being kinder to oneself, acknowledging past achievements, and recognizing existing positive qualities.
Taking Back Control: Effort-Based Goals [2:21]
The video suggests shifting the focus from numerical goals to effort-based goals to regain control. Instead of aiming for "100,000 subs," aim to "be proud of the videos I create." Instead of aiming for a "certain grade," aim to "study as hard as I can." While outcomes may vary, the amount of effort put in is always controllable. Consistently putting in effort, regardless of the outcome, fosters pride, which is a crucial step toward feeling happy with one's current position in life.