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Never enough

Nothing is enough anymore.

I keep noticing something strange.

The better things get, the less satisfied we become.

A friend doubled his business revenue. Now he’s stressed about doubling it again.

Another ran his first marathon. A week later? Already planning an ultra.

I moved to a better apartment. Two months in, I’m already searching for the next place.

Scientists call this the Tocqueville Paradox: our expectations rise faster than our living standards.

Think about it. Your grandparents would view your “basic” lifestyle as pure luxury.

Instant deliveries. Video calls with anyone, anywhere. WiFi at 35,000 feet.

Yet here we are, constantly chasing the next thing.

It’s not that ambition is bad.

But there’s something powerful about noticing this glitch in our operating system.

The next time you achieve something, pause.

Breathe it in.

Because your brain is already plotting its next target.

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