The Curse of the Ever-Rising Threshold
When it comes to success, it can often feel like an endless cycle of reaching for ever-higher targets. Whether it be in our professional or personal life, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find satisfaction. This phenomenon is known as the ever-rising threshold. The ever-rising threshold is a particularly insidious problem, as it can prevent us from enjoying our successes and instead creates an obsession with constantly pushing ourselves further. Here are some of the most common manifestations of the ever-rising threshold:
- The pressure to achieve more than we did before
- The need to outperform peers and rivals
- The urge to work faster and harder
- The search for ever-greater rewards
This can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and a sense that ‘nothing is ever enough’. It becomes increasingly difficult to appreciate our achievements and instead we become focused on reaching the next level. This can have a damaging effect on our mental and physical wellbeing, leading to exhaustion and burnout. So how do we overcome the ever-rising threshold? The answer lies in finding a balance between ambition and contentment. We need to learn to appreciate our successes, no matter how small, and be willing to take a break when we need it. By taking some time for ourselves and refocusing on our goals, we can find the motivation to strive for bigger and better things. The ever-rising threshold can be a difficult obstacle to overcome, but with the right approach, it can be possible to break the cycle and find true satisfaction.Further Reading: