As I write this article, I’m approaching 25. Full of energy, driven by a deep desire to create, to build, to solve problems.
But today, with social media, it feels like everything is easy. Like everyone is succeeding.
We are bombarded with images of instant success—meteoric rises, entrepreneurs at 22, millionaires at 23. And naturally, when we compare ourselves, we feel behind. Instead of inspiring us, this content imposes an invisible pressure, an unrealistic expectation: the idea that results should be immediate, effortless.
Add to that the post-pandemic era, where toxic narratives about work and self-worth have emerged. The belief that success demands absolute sacrifice. That suffering is necessary. That without pain, there is no reward.
Reframing the Idea of Success
More than a year ago, I asked myself a simple question: Is this really what life is about?
I had just gone through the busiest year of my life—packed with personal and professional projects. And yet, I realized that this obsession with "doing more" wasn’t making me any happier.
Of course, work is important. It’s a pillar of our society, and we can’t ignore it. But does it have to take over everything? Do we have to sacrifice our best years under the idea that "it’s now or never"?
I don’t think so.
Over time, I’ve come to see life differently. To me, it’s not just about stacking up achievements. Life is about experiences, exploration, and discovery.
When we were kids, we imagined a thousand different lives. We created stories, changed our dreams every day. We explored without wondering if it was "useful."
And today, why should we stop?
With this mindset, I’ve adopted three rules. They’re not a fix for everything, but they help me move forward with less pressure and more peace of mind.
1. One Step Every Day
When a goal seems huge, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. The sheer amount of work can stop us before we even start.
So I try not to focus on the whole mountain, just the next step.
One email sent. One commit. One page written.
Some days, the energy is there, and I take five or ten steps at once. Other days, everything feels heavy. But even on those days, I try to move forward, even if it’s just an inch.
Because in the end, what matters isn’t speed—it’s direction.
2. Enjoy the Present
We often talk about ambition, about always aiming higher. But in that race, we forget something essential: the present is part of the equation.
A good example is Squeezie, the biggest French YouTuber. In a documentary, he explains how, from his teenage years to now, he always pushed himself to do more, to be more productive, to improve. Until one day, he realized he had never truly enjoyed his twenties.
And it’s an easy trap to fall into. We tell ourselves we’ll be happy when we reach a certain milestone, a certain goal. But if we don’t know how to appreciate now, will we even recognize happiness once we get there?
So I try to remind myself of this. To appreciate what I have, even while I’m still on the way.
3. Learn Something Every Day
If I had to name one thing that keeps me moving forward without feeling lost, it would be learning.
It can be anything—a new skill, an idea, a conversation, a different culture. The key is that every day should bring something new.
Because in reality, we never stay still. We either move forward, or we fall behind.
And even on days when I feel like I haven’t progressed, if I’ve learned even one small thing, then I know I’ve taken a step.
Conclusion
These three rules aren’t magic formulas. They don’t guarantee success, and they don’t erase all doubts.
But they help me avoid drowning in pressure.
They remind me that I can move forward without burning out. That I can work hard without destroying myself. That I can strive for more, without forgetting to live in the moment.
What matters is not to push yourself to the limit, but to be disciplined in your approach. To stay consistent without sacrificing yourself. To create habits that allow you to grow, step by step, without losing sight of what truly matters. And in the end, maybe that’s what real success looks like.