Underachieving is Okay.

Striving relentlessly to succeed, we often end up in burnouts from overworking. The ambition to succeed is ingrained into our brain since childhood from parents or society that constantly tell us that you must succeed in the workplace to afford shinny BMWs, the latest gadgets, or luxurious vacations. These things may bring temporary joy but not ever lasting happiness. They are like salt water. The more you drink, the thirstier you become. What really matters in life may have nothing to do with how wealthy and successful you are. Sometimes you just need to relax in the face of a busy life with many demands. Life may be happier if we are less ambitious and stop craving for more. We can breathe easier and begin to feel free as pressure to achieve lessens. Clinging very strongly to success causes suffering according to Buddhism. Detachment does not mean that you have to give up everything and go live in a cave. It simply means it is okay to be mediocre and live an ordinary life without material wealth. Life would be simpler or happier without the pressure to constantly achieve.