Too often we treat life like a horse race when it’s really just a merry-go-round.

We mount a steed in eager anticipation. The bell rings, our horse starts moving, and, in our race to realize our dreams, we believe the competition has begun.

So we run.

And we try to win.

The Pressure To Compare

We are in a society that pressures us to compare ourselves against the success or failure of others.

Let’s take you, for instance.

• Are you jealous that others are happier and more successful?

• Are you frustrated that someone else is making more money when you know you can do better than them?

• Do you wish you had the life your friend is leading? That one who seems so much better off?

We are pressured to compare every day.

If you use this product you will be a better person.
If you subscribe to this magazine you will live a happier life.

It’s as if we are forever pushing the Sisyphus rock and believing we’ll get to the top of the mountain.

But there is no fame at the top of the mountain.
There is no money or happiness at the top of the mountain.
The only thing at the top of the mountain is the top of the mountain.

The Things We Value

I used to equate intelligence with wealth, and superiority with celebrity.

We do that in our society – we place certain genetic traits on a pedestal and simply pat the head of other traits like an obedient dog.

We idolize athletic prowess and physical symmetry, yet we simply smile and nod at the determination, honesty, and heroism of the every-person.

We pay people millions of dollars because they can toss a ball. Sure they are racist, homophobic, and borderline criminal – but have you seen how great they can play/sing/dance?

Of the top 4 professional leagues in the United States (NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL), the average player salary is $4.6m.

Meanwhile, the average elementary school teacher earns, at most, $67k – the equivalent to a mere 5 days of work for a pro athlete.

 

I’m not saying athletes shouldn’t be handsomely paid for their prowess. I’m just pointing out the reality of our value system.

But here’s the thing:

Celebrity is not superiority.
Wealth is not intelligence
Leadership is not a title

A poor man can have wealth.
A rich man can be broke.
A celebrity can be a completely despicable person.

We are all human.

We are all simply the result of a genetic lottery, riding our own horse on the same carousel.

Which brings us back to the steed you’ve mounted.