Why do we get upset when we don’t achieve what we want? Often, behind that frustration lies the weight of our expectations. This raises the question: are we truly working towards something that fulfills us, or are we just chasing a goal imposed from outside?
Stoic philosophy offers an interesting perspective: when you stop desperately fighting for what you desire and simply relax, things start to flow. But here’s the catch: if you “relax” while still expecting a result, you’re still trapped in the same cycle. The real message is not to act in pursuit of a reward but to learn to let go of your attachment to it.
Detachment, a word that has become so popular recently, is nothing more than living fully in the present, without clinging to the future or the past. It may sound simple, but it’s a daily exercise that requires attention and consistency. In fact, just practicing detachment and focusing on the here and now could provide us with enough work for several lifetimes.
However, I’d like to add something to this idea. Because, of course, in the midst of all this, we live in the age of over-information. And I say this from my own point of view—these are just my theories and ideas—but I believe that now more than ever, we are bombarded with content, ideas, and stimuli. And this doesn’t apply only to spiritual topics but to everything.
Sometimes, I’ve caught myself sitting in front of my computer, watching a YouTube video, with music playing in the background, while simultaneously scrolling through Instagram posts. That’s when I become aware of the anxiety we carry inside, this self-imposed obligation to always stay updated, to know everything.
This “race to stay up-to-date” is fine, of course, but only up to a point. Without setting boundaries, we end up caught in a spiral of consuming information that doesn’t actually allow us to move forward. And here, again, comes the work of detachment—not just from external expectations but also from the need to always stay updated.
The Process as a Goal
Over time, I’ve come to understand that life isn’t about having everything under control or achieving perfection. It’s about staying mindful, living each day with intention, and gradually steering yourself toward a healthier and more balanced state.
This reminds me a lot of Dragon Ball, when Goku trains in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. It’s a place where everything feels harder, but the progress you make is much more significant. If we translate this into our own lives, that kind of training is essentially facing your fears, your expectations, and your own limits on a daily basis.
Don’t beat yourself up for not mastering everything right away; simply becoming aware is already a major step forward. And most importantly, don’t forget that this process—this constant “training”—is what truly transforms us. So, if things aren’t going the way you’d like right now, perhaps, just perhaps, you’re exactly where you need to be to keep growing.
A Final Note
I hope these reflections resonate with someone, even just a little. That said, I also want to add something: I’ve often heard people who share content on YouTube or other platforms say things like, “I hope this helps someone, but honestly, I do it as a form of therapy for myself.” I couldn’t agree more.
The truth is, while I hope this might connect with others, writing these thoughts down is mostly a way for me to organize my own ideas and release what I’ve been carrying inside.
That’s why any comment, idea, or opinion is always welcome—as long as it’s respectful. Let me be clear: if someone insults or is disrespectful, they won’t be welcome. Not because it affects me personally, but because I take great care of my environment, my energy, and the people around me. For me, energy is important, though that’s a topic for another time.
So, that’s it. Be happy! And if you’re not, consider this: maybe that’s where your real work begins.