If You Want To Succeed In Life, Stop Chasing These 8 Empty Goals

Success in life isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s shaped by our personal aspirations and values. But there are certain goals we tend to pursue, often blindly, that can lead us astray.

These are the so-called “empty goals”, which might sound enticing but actually lead to dissatisfaction and frustration.

In this article, I’m going to be brutally honest. I will share with you the 8 empty goals that you need to stop chasing right now if you genuinely want to succeed in life.

Get ready for some hard truths and hopefully, a new perspective on what success truly means.

1) The illusion of perfection

One of the biggest traps we fall into is the endless pursuit of perfection.

Whether it’s in our personal life, career, or even our physical appearance, we often set ourselves up for a goal that’s nothing short of 100% perfection. But here’s the harsh truth – perfection is an illusion.

Constantly chasing after an unattainable standard not only sets us up for constant disappointment but also prevents us from acknowledging and celebrating our achievements, no matter how small they may be.

The desire for everything to be flawless can often blind us to the beauty of our imperfections and the lessons they teach us.

So instead of striving for an impossible ideal, focus on progress and personal growth. Embrace your flaws and turn them into strengths. After all, success is not about being perfect, it’s about becoming a better version of yourself each day.

2) The endless race for wealth

I grew up thinking that the more money I had, the more successful I’d be. It was a simple equation etched into my mind by society’s standards.

I spent years chasing this goal, working long hours, and missing out on important moments with family and friends. Then, one day, I had an epiphany.

During a late-night work marathon, I heard my daughter’s laughter from the other room. She was having a grand time playing with her grandmother, while I was stuck in front of a computer screen.

In that moment, I realized that while I was busy accumulating wealth, life was happening without me. The laughter, the love, the precious moments with my family – these were things money couldn’t buy.

Sure, money is important – it gives us security and comfort. But it’s not the end-all-be-all of success.

Wealth can bring comfort but chasing it endlessly can lead to a life devoid of true happiness and fulfillment. So instead of obsessively accumulating wealth, aim for financial stability and balance it with priceless moments of joy and love.

3) The pursuit of fame

In our social media driven world, fame seems like the ultimate success. But does fame really equate to happiness and satisfaction?

A study conducted by the University of Rochester examined the aspirations of fame by young adults. They found that those who achieved their dreams of fame and fortune were actually less happy than those who pursued more intrinsic goals like personal growth or helping others.

The reason? Fame is often fleeting and not within our control. It’s based on other people’s perceptions and can be taken away in an instant.

Chasing fame can also lead to a lack of privacy, constant scrutiny, and immense pressure to maintain an image. This can take a toll on mental health and personal relationships.

In essence, the pursuit of fame as a measure of success is hollow. Instead, strive for goals that foster personal growth and contribute to the wellbeing of others. These are the kind of achievements that truly enrich our lives.

4) The obsession with never-ending work

Our culture often glorifies being busy. We wear our packed schedules like badges of honor, believing that constant work equals dedication and success. But is that really the case?

The truth is, working non-stop isn’t a sign of success; it’s often a fast track to burnout. Our bodies and minds need time to rest and rejuvenate. Without it, our productivity and creativity can take a major hit.

Moreover, by letting work consume our lives, we miss out on other important aspects of life – relationships, hobbies, self-care.

It’s important to remember that success isn’t solely about professional accomplishments. It’s also about leading a balanced life. So it’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to have leisure time.

Aiming for a healthy work-life balance should be one of your top priorities if you truly want to succeed in life.

5) The desire for approval

We all desire acceptance and validation – it’s human nature. But when we start to define our success by others’ approval, we lose sight of our own worth and capabilities.

Chasing the approval of others will often lead you down a path that isn’t true to who you are or what you want. It can leave you feeling hollow and unfulfilled because you’re living life according to someone else’s standards.

Remember, your life is just that – yours. Your goals, dreams, and success should be defined by what makes you feel fulfilled and happy. You don’t need anyone else’s stamp of approval to validate your worth or your achievements.

Live your life authentically, stay true to your values, and follow your own path to success. It’s not about pleasing everyone else; it’s about being content with who you are and the journey you’re on.

6) The need to control everything

I’ve always been a planner. I had my life mapped out with precise milestones. Get a degree by 22, establish a career by 25, buy a house by 30 – you get the picture.

I thought having everything under control was the key to success. But life isn’t a checklist, and it certainly doesn’t adhere to our timelines.

When things didn’t go as planned, I’d feel like a failure. It took me some time to realize that success isn’t about controlling every aspect of life, but about adapting to changes and making the best out of them.

True success is about resilience and flexibility, recognizing that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities for growth. It’s about learning to let go of our rigid plans and embracing the unpredictability of life.

So don’t stress too much if things don’t go according to your timeline. Life has its own rhythm, and some of its best moments are often unplanned.

7) The fixation on external validation

In our digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the number of likes, shares, or followers we have. We often equate these numbers with our self-worth or success. But this is a dangerous trap.

External validation is fleeting and fickle. It depends on others’ opinions, which are subjective and can change like the wind. Basing our success and happiness on such shaky foundations can lead to constant self-doubt and anxiety.

Your worth is not defined by how many people ‘like’ your post or how many followers you have. True success comes from within – from knowing your worth, embracing your strengths, and being proud of your achievements.

So stop seeking validation from others and start celebrating your own victories, no matter how small they may seem. It’s the self-validation that truly counts in the journey of success.

8) The belief that success is a destination

One of the most misleading beliefs we often hold is that success is a destination – a specific point we need to reach. We set our sights on this far-off point and believe that we’ll finally be happy and satisfied once we get there.

But the reality is, success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s not about reaching a certain point and stopping. It’s about continuous growth, learning and evolving.

If you see success as a destination, you’ll find yourself constantly chasing after something and never feeling truly satisfied. You may reach your goal, but then what? You set another goal and the cycle continues.

Instead, view success as a journey of continuous growth. Enjoy the process, learn from your failures, celebrate your progress and keep evolving. That’s the real key to success.

Final thoughts: Redefining success

Success is a deeply personal and individual concept. It’s not about ticking off boxes on a checklist or meeting societal expectations.

At its heart, success is about being true to yourself, growing as a person, and creating a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.

It’s not found in the relentless pursuit of perfection, wealth, fame, or the approval of others. Instead, it lies in embracing your imperfections, valuing experiences over material possessions, creating meaningful connections, and following your own path.

The philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” So take the time to examine your life and your goals. Are they truly yours? Or are they empty goals that society has imposed on you?

Remember, you are the author of your own life. Don’t let anyone else hold the pen. Here’s to your journey towards authentic success.