The Unspoken Race Against Time

As I approach my late twenties, with just three years left until I turn 30, life feels like it’s becoming more complicated. It’s as if time is slipping away, ticking faster and faster. There’s this unspoken pressure to achieve certain milestones before hitting 30. Scrolling through Instagram, even on a random afternoon, I see strangers getting engaged, married, starting master’s programs abroad on scholarships, or getting promoted to managerial positions at prestigious companies. Some are buying houses or celebrating their children’s milestones. It feels like everyone around me has their life together, like they’ve already mapped out their path and are just a step away from their goals.

Life in the Fast Lane: The Pressure to Have It All Together

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being ambitious or striving to achieve our goals. For some, it’s essential—especially if they are the breadwinners. As humans, we’re wired to work hard for what we want in life. We have to put in effort to pursue our dreams, and sometimes that means going the extra mile. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I love seeing people who know what they want and are working hard to achieve it. It’s incredibly motivating to witness others putting in the work, whether it’s to achieve their big dreams or simply to meet their everyday needs. That’s inspiring.

However, there’s a dark side to ambition if it’s not managed properly. It can turn into greed. People often get so caught up in the race to succeed that they forget they only live once. They rush through life, constantly busy, without taking the time to look around and appreciate what’s around them. It’s like a competition to achieve the best, to be number one among their peers. What starts as fulfilling needs can quickly morph into an insatiable desire for more. I sometimes wonder if people are pursuing their goals for themselves or just for the sake of recognition from others. They become obsessed, living as if there’s no tomorrow, ignoring their surroundings. If not checked, this can damage their relationships with loved ones, and even more concerning, it can harm their mental and physical health—something we’ve seen countless examples of.

Redefining Success

In a world where everyone seems to be striving to be the best, I think it’s okay to be average. Being average doesn’t mean we’re lazy or unwilling to step out of our comfort zone. It means being grateful for what we have, prioritizing what’s truly important over unchecked ambition, and resisting the urge to compete endlessly. Being average means we put in effort but are content with the outcome, even if it’s not first place. It’s about finding joy in the journey and being thankful for the opportunity to compete, even if we don’t win. It’s about being a good employee, doing our work well, and being grateful for whatever comes from it. It’s about prioritizing our health and loved ones over our ambitions, even when we could push harder. Sometimes, not being the best is the real victory.

Celebrate Your Average: Finding Peace in Who You Are

It’s okay to take a step back, to slow down, and appreciate the small things. It’s okay if you’re unsure about the future, if you feel like you’re falling behind your peers. That’s perfectly fine. Remember, we don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes in other people’s lives, so stop comparing and start appreciating. Appreciate the small moments, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Take time to reflect on what truly lies in your heart, not just in your mind. Say thank you to your family, tell them you love them. Let your pets know you’re grateful for them. Reach out to your friends and let them know you miss them.

In a society where we’re constantly pushed to achieve more, being average is an art—a necessary skill to keep our minds healthy. It’s the art of letting go. Letting go of overwhelming ambition and prioritizing your well-being. And trust me, there are many other paths that can lead to fulfillment without sacrificing yourself. After all, our mental health matters. While others may rush ahead, there’s nothing wrong with pausing, looking around, and being thankful for the person you are today. Celebrate being the best version of your average self.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, sometimes the greatest achievement is simply finding peace in being an average.

Sometimes, the greatest achievement is simply finding peace with who you are -sal

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