“I’ve been grinding hard. I’m in my 30s. I’m remote, traveling the world and having awesome experiences. But I’m dissatisfied with my daily life. What do I do? It’s what I dreamed of and worked so hard to achieve. But I literally feel no happier, than when I was broke.” This [entrepreneur continued](): > “I kind of feel shortchanged even.” ![Blog post image](/images/blog/CleanShot-2023-06-21-at-15.50.33@2x-1024x970.png) ## The leaky bucket theory of ambition My friend and fellow entrepreneur [Suzi Sosa]() shared a daunting analogy for achievement. > “Proving your self-worth through achievement is like filling a bucket with a hole in it.” You can pour as much water as you want into it. But in the end, it’s still gonna be empty. The same holds [true for achievement](). You can [add money](). You can add accolades. You can [add fancy cars]() and summer houses. Heck, you can slap your name on the wing of a museum. But if there’s a hole in your bucket – you can’t stop filling it up with water. ## I just want to know that I’m good I’m [a people-pleaser](). A [social butterfly](). A momma’s boy. And that’s _fine_ and _dandy_. But if someone even insinuates that __I’m not a good person__ – it hurts. When a troll mocks me online – I want them to know I’m a good Internet citizen. When [Lisa and I fight]() – I want her to know that I’m a good husband. When I disappoint my mom – I want her to know that I’m a good son. In a post titled, [How I finally found self-love](), Anita Amini, a somatic practitioner (and software engineer), offers this diagnosis: > _Almost all of us grow up with the false notion that we are not inherently “good”. > This problematic belief then prevents us from loving ourselves. > Because well why would we be worthy of love if we’re “bad”?_ This belief of inherent “not good-ness” is the hole in the bucket. Particularly for the strivers and high-performers. It fuels the inner critic. Perfectionism. Low self-worth. The fear of being “cringe.” ## So back to our 30-year-old entrepreneur Professionally they’ve done everything right. They’re smart. They’re resourceful. They know how to take risks. But what’s the hole in their bucket? ## Here’s how we can help you * [The Life Operating System](): Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place. * [Supercharge your Productivity](): Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships. * [Apply for our Group Coaching:]() Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition. * [Train Your Team on $10K Work](): Is your team busy, but without much to show for it? Teach your colleagues how to prioritize and identify leverage in your organization. * [Download the Rad Friends podcast:]() Every week we ponder one of life’s thorniest questions. * [The RadReads Newsletter](): Sign up for 5 actionable insights each Saturday for a life well-lived.