Shall I Race You to the Top?
For years, mentors, coaches and role models have championed hard work, relentless focus and personal sacrifice as the route to success. Many of us have admired their determination, celebrated their achievements and been inspired to follow the same path in pursuit of wealth, luxury cars, impressive homes and financial security. But ultimately, how satisfying is that mindset? Is simply ‘winning’ ever enough?
Since the pandemic, many people’s priorities have shifted. Long hours, endless promotions and constant pressure to achieve have lost much of their appeal. Increasingly, quality of life has become just as important as career progression. Even high-profile figures have embraced a different approach. Singer Ed Sheeran famously stepped away from music for a year to recharge and create a more sustainable lifestyle. Former NFL player Jason Brown walked away from a multi-million-dollar contract to run First Fruits Farm, dedicating his time to fighting food insecurity by donating fresh produce to food banks.
A striking contrast was seen during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where Apple CEO Tim Cook and NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. were photographed together. Cook wore an Apple Watch Ultra, while Beckham wore a Richard Mille RM67-01 valued at around $500,000. Yet it was Beckham who attracted the crowds, while Cook remained largely unnoticed. Their differing attitudes towards visibility and status reflected two very different definitions of success.
The workplace has also witnessed the rise of a quieter, more understated leadership style. Many successful leaders prefer to let their work speak for itself, with figures such as Tim Cook and Satya Nadella often cited as examples. Increasingly, success is being measured not only by career achievements, but by wellbeing, ethical leadership, and personal fulfilment. Recognition and ambition still matter, but so too does spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies and protecting our physical and mental health. The days of racing to be first into the office and last to leave simply to appear committed are becoming less attractive.
Lockdown accelerated this shift. Remote working reduced daily interaction with colleagues and narrowed our social circles. With fewer opportunities to compare ourselves with others through shopping, commuting and socialising, many people became less concerned with external opinions. Instead, relationships, nature, and personal wellbeing took on greater importance.
Even after restrictions ended, the boundaries between work and home remained blurred. Unless there is a scheduled online meeting, many people now organise their own day, blending work with personal responsibilities. Tasks are completed when needed rather than according to rigid routines. Although productivity remains essential, there is growing recognition that success should not come at the expense of health or happiness.
As a result, comparing ourselves with others has become less important, particularly as we grow older. Healthy competition can be motivating, but constantly measuring ourselves against someone else’s achievements rarely leads to lasting satisfaction. Social media remains a valuable tool for promoting businesses and professional expertise but using it to flaunt wealth or status is increasingly viewed with scepticism. After all, what does success really look like, and who decides what ‘the top’ actually is?
The growing conversation around flexible working, including four-day working week trials, reflects this changing outlook. These initiatives aim to improve work-life balance while maintaining productivity, recognising that employees perform best when they have time to rest, pursue personal interests, and enjoy life outside work.
As society places less emphasis on material success, a more thoughtful and sustainable outlook is emerging. Many people are choosing to buy less, reduce waste, grow their own food, repair and upcycle possessions, and support their local communities. Neighbours share resources, communities become stronger, and success is increasingly measured by wellbeing, purpose and the positive difference we make to others.
Perhaps the greatest achievement is no longer reaching the top before everyone else, but building a life that is healthier, happier, and more meaningful. After all, the race only matters if the destination is truly worth reaching.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist www.lifestyletherapy.net