But is that stress what got the kid to be better at art ? Obsessing over what others said led you to understand other people and yourself ? Taking your first job seriously built habits and earned you credit among your peers ?
I don't think acting like a 70 year old in 20s/30s/40s is wise - you're not retired with most of your accomplishments behind you.
Improving mainly by negative pressures sucks, life should be enjoyed and not sucked through because you're in some rat race with your imaginary/real competitors. Of course nobody is going to stop you if you prefer it that way, but I'll make my best to discourage similar approach in my kids/friends
Not sure whether I agree with you and her or not. Yes, the race is damned long and I recognize that it is ultimately only with myself. On the other hand, much like trying to beat your own high score, it can be kind of fun and, perhaps more realistically, like many I have nothing better to do.
I think I get your message... Wouldn't you consider finding something better to strive for a win for you? It all depends on what we do for living, there is a difference when working for a faceless corporation du jour and for example in an NGO saving lives / company properly building a better future (ie SpaceX). Unfortunately most of us including me fall into the first category of that corp.
I think I do have found this 'better' stuff for myself, in form of adventures, travel and slightly extreme sports. It brings sense of accomplishment that no software developed would, refills my batteries over weekend like nothing in the city can. But that's me (and my wife).
Life is so damn short. If you don't feel like it, just wait a bit more.
It's likely a reasonable assumption but is not always true. I don't know why people can't just say things that on average sound reasonable without some internet police officer having to call them out?
I don't think acting like a 70 year old in 20s/30s/40s is wise - you're not retired with most of your accomplishments behind you.