The Mirage of Success: Why More Is Never Enough | EP 570

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

John R. Miles

Mental Health, Alternative Health, Education, Self-improvement, Health & Fitness

4.7 • 779 Ratings

🗓️ 7 February 2025

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We’ve all been there—pushing, striving, chasing what we think will bring happiness. A bigger salary. A better title. More recognition. But what if the very thing you’re running toward is an illusion?In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Mirage of More—the false promise that external success leads to internal fulfillment. We’ll explore why we keep chasing things that don’t sustain us, how to recognize when you’re caught in the cycle, and—most importantly—how to walk away before it’s too late.Download the Episode Worksheet in the shownotes at: https://passionstruck.com/the-mirage-of-success-why-more-is-never-enough/What You'll Learn in This Episode✔ Why we’re wired to seek "more"—and why it never feels like enough✔ The psychological trap of achievement (and how to escape it)✔ The Harvard research that proves success isn’t what makes us happy✔ How to recognize when you’re caught in the Mirage of MoreNext Episode Preview: Next week, I’m sitting down with Dr. Shige Oishi—one of the world’s top researchers on human well-being. We’re diving into his new book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life. And trust me—this conversation will change the way you think about how you live.How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles.
Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here.
For more insights and resources, visit John's website.

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com today!If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review to help spread the message of intentional living. Let’s bridge the gap between theory and action and live our lives with purpose!Sponsors:

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For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.Speaking Engagements & Workshops: Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter Packs: With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck:

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Coming up next on Passionstruck, you work hard, you push yourself, you do everything you're supposed to do.
0:08.1	And yet, deep down, something still feels off. Why? Because most of us aren't chasing what sustains us.
0:17.0	We're chasing what looks like fulfillment. But in reality, it's just a mirage.
0:23.0	We think once we achieve the next big thing, we'll finally feel whole.
0:27.6	But just like a mirage in the desert, the moment we reach, what we thought was our destination,
0:33.8	the goalpost moves again.
0:35.5	And that's why today's episode is so crucial, because if you don't
0:39.4	recognize the mirage, you'll spend your life running towards something that was never real in the
0:45.6	first place. Let's get into it. Welcome to Passionstruck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show,
0:52.5	we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the
0:55.7	world's most inspiring people and turned their wisdom into practical advice for you and those
1:01.7	around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can
1:07.6	become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays.
1:14.6	We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors,
1:20.6	CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes.
1:26.6	Now, let's go out there and become Passionstruck.
1:31.1	Hey there, Passionstruck, fam.
1:32.5	Welcome to episode 570.
1:34.9	I am so fired up, you're here.
1:37.5	Whether you've been with me for a while or this is your first time,
1:41.3	this space is about you.
1:43.5	It's where we take on big ideas, make bold moves,
	...

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