How to Transform Your Life Without Chasing More
We often find ourselves caught in what I call the “rat race”—always striving to achieve more, to earn more, to collect more diplomas, to land that prestigious job, or to work for a company with a big name. Maybe you dream of joining Google, OpenAI, or some other tech giant. I remember when my own dream was to work for Badoo, back when dating apps were just starting to take off. I even did an internship in their London office. That was my goal at the time, and I poured myself into it.
But after years of chasing, working late nights in places like Dublin—where I’d spend entire nights at the only 24-hour Starbucks, trying not to fall asleep so the security guard wouldn’t wake me—I started to wonder: what’s the point of all this running? Why are we always pushing for more?
The Trap of “One Day”
Many of us fall into the same trap as our parents or grandparents. They worked hard all their lives, telling themselves that once they retired, they’d finally enjoy life. But sometimes, just as retirement arrives, health problems appear, or they simply don’t have the energy they once had. The truth is, we never know when life will change. Waiting for “one day” to be happy is a risky bet.
I’ve realized it’s important to enjoy life now, not just later. Maybe that means taking a mini-retirement, or simply making more time for yourself today. Yes, you might earn less, but you’ll enjoy your best years while you’re still healthy. It’s about knowing your values and accepting that they change over time.
Change Is Natural—And Necessary
Ten years ago, my priorities were completely different. I was single, working non-stop, going out until 4 or 5 in the morning, and living on Nutella sandwiches. Now, I focus more on my health, my relationship, and different goals. And that’s normal. Everyone changes. Only fools never change, because we learn from our mistakes and grow, just like fruit ripening on a tree.
So ask yourself: are you still in “rat race” mode, or are you ready to slow down and find what really matters to you? Set goals for the short, medium, and long term. Know what you want, and don’t be afraid to change direction if your heart tells you to.
The Joy of Building—and Letting Go
I’ve spent years building open-source projects, especially my CMS, pH7 Builder. I poured all my knowledge into it, making it as secure and well-designed as possible. But over time, I stopped developing it actively. Technology moves fast—what was cutting-edge yesterday is old news today. I learned that sometimes, you have to let go and start fresh, even if you’re proud of what you’ve built.
This applies to life, too. What works for you now might not work tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to step back and ask yourself if you’re still enjoying what you do. If not, it’s okay to move on.
Perseverance vs. Stubbornness
I’m extremely persistent. I love challenges—they keep me alive. As an engineer, solving problems is what I do. But there’s a fine line between perseverance and stubbornness. Sometimes, you need to know when to move on to something new, even if you’ve invested a lot of time and energy. It’s about finding balance.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
—Alan Watts
You Grow to Love What You Care For
There’s a funny thing about taking care of something. Even if you don’t like plants, if your neighbor asks you to water theirs while they’re away, you might start to enjoy it. The more time you spend caring for something, the more you grow to love it. The same goes for pets, projects, or even new habits.
If you’re struggling with an addiction or a bad habit, try replacing it with something that brings you more joy. Over time, you’ll find that your attention and care shift naturally.
Be the Actor in Your Own Life
Don’t just let life happen to you. Take charge. Build your future by investing your time and knowledge wisely. Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter to you or won’t make a difference in your future. It’s not always easy to know when to move on, but it’s important to keep questioning yourself and your path.
“If the journey is beautiful, don’t ask where it leads. Just enjoy it.”
—Anonymous
The Best Time to Act Is Now
You deserve to be happy. The purpose of life is fulfillment and joy. If you’re stuck in the rat race because of outside pressure or old habits, and it’s not making you happy, it’s time to change. You don’t have to wait for permission. The best moment to start is today.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t wait for “one day” to enjoy life—start now.
- Your values and goals will change over time, and that’s normal.
- Know the difference between perseverance and stubbornness.
- Take care of what matters to you, and you’ll grow to love it.
- Be the main actor in your life—don’t just go through the motions.
Action Steps
- Reflect on whether you’re chasing goals that truly matter to you.
- Set short, medium, and long-term goals that fit your current values.
- Let go of projects or habits that no longer serve you.
- Replace bad habits with activities that bring you more joy.
- Take action today, not tomorrow.
Reflection
- Am I living for myself, or for someone else’s expectations?
- What do I really want right now?
- Is it time to change direction?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Daily Habits #Mindfulness #Productivity #Rat Race #Self-Improvement #Self-Transcendence #Time-Management #Work-Life Balance