Being a human, myself: i know how we are all infected by the disease of more! We are constantly trying to reach the “next level.”
“What if there is no ‘next level?’ What if it’s just an idea you made up in your head? What if you’re already there and not only are you not recognizing it, but by constantly pursuing something more, you’re preventing yourself from appreciating it and enjoying where you are now?”
What exactly does the ‘disease of more’ imply?
The famous concept was coined by Pat Riley. A coach who has led 6 teams to the NBA championship.
The Disease of More explains why teams who win championships are often ultimately dethroned, not by other, better teams, but by forces from within the organization itself.
The players, like most people, want more. At first, that “more” was winning the championship. But once players have that championship, it’s no longer enough. The “more” becomes other things — more money, more TV commercials, more endorsements and accolades, more playing time, more plays called for them, more media attention, etc.
As a result, what was once a cohesive group of hardworking men begins to fray. Egos get involved. Gatorade bottles are thrown. And the psychological composition of the team changes — what was once a perfect chemistry of bodies and minds becomes a toxic, atomized mess. Players feel entitled to ignore the small, not much fun tasks that actually win championships, believing that they’ve earned the right to not do it anymore. And as a result, what was the most talented team, ends up failing.
Sports did end up in the introduction of the disease, but trust me; the effects are widespread.
Casual disclaimer: do not worry its not a literal disease affecting anyone’s physical health but is a psychological illness.
Let’s take another example of a wall street trader who has more money than god (ah, controversial). They usually start with nothing and eventually go about an increasing appetite for wealth and success. They cross pinnacles of success, yet are dis-satisfied with themselves. Yet, they are striving to reach higher peaks. ‘The wolf of wall street’ is a perfect example per se.
We humans want more of anything, and everything. In our society, in all Western cultures, everything is bigger, better, faster. We rely on external things to define us. We all want more. Yet all we really need are shelter, food, air, and water. Maybe you need a nice dog or a garden to work in. I don’t say that to be funny. Trust me something as simple as even petting a dog or a cat, releases endorphins and serotonin in our brains. It feels good. We don’t need the newest Audi. We don’t need a bottle of tequila that costs two hundred dollars.We can get the same high/fun with even cheap port wine. We don’t need an amethyst credit card that buys us more crap. We need a sense of self-worth, one that comes without price tags, and is not based on the value of our possessions.
I personally believe in minimalism. Learn that less is more. Less stuff is more. You can be free of these attachments and feel lighter, freer, and ready to step forward into self-fulfillment.
We at ZUPERLY don’t intend to sound too preachy, but like we always mention : have gratitude, and do everything mindfully.
Stay tuned for the antidote to this epidemic.
By Maansee Bakhrey
Content team ZUPERLY
