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Feeling Like Life’s Passing You By?

Ever felt like you’re on a treadmill while everyone else is sprinting ahead? You’re not alone! It’s almost like the universe conspired to give them a head start, right? Whether it’s landing that dream job, tying the knot, or starting a family, it seems everyone’s ticking boxes except us. Meanwhile, we’re left scratching our heads, wondering what went wrong. Luke Burgess’s book, “Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life,” spills the beans on this very mystery. Let’s dive into what makes us tick—and sometimes, ticked off!

Why We Feel Behind the Curve

Picture this: You’re standing at point A, dreaming of point B. Maybe it’s a bigger paycheck or ditching the 9-to-5 grind for your own gig. But here’s the kicker: the gap between where you are and where you wanna be can feel like the Grand Canyon. So how come we want point B so bad? Burgess says it’s all about mimetic desire. Intrigued yet?

Mimetic Desire: What’s the Deal?

René Girard, a French thinker, says we’re like sponges, soaking up desires from others. We’ve got two neighborhoods in our heads: ‘celebristan’—where celebs live their glossy lives—and ‘freshmanistan,’ our own circle of friends and family. The latter often messes with our heads the most, because hey, if they can do it, why can’t we?

Switching Gears: Less FOMO, More JOMO

Now, acknowledging that we tend to mimic others is just step one, amigos. Here’s how to take the wheel and steer your own desires:

1. Thick vs. Thin Desires

Thick desires are the deep-rooted dreams, like wanting to teach since you were a kid. Thin ones? They’re more like chasing the latest fad. Make sure your goals are thick and juicy!

2. Michelin Stars: Not Just for Restaurants

We all chase our own ‘Michelin stars’—those shiny trophies that scream success. But ask yourself, are you after these stars for you, or for applause from the peanut gallery?

3. Boundaries, Baby!

Social media can be a minefield of envy. Hit that unfollow button on anyone who makes you feel less than. Create a space where you can think for yourself, without the chatter.

4. Desire Flywheels

The choices you make today set the stage for tomorrow. Choose things that align with your passions, and you’ll build a positive cycle of happiness and motivation.

Understanding why we play catch-up doesn’t mean we’ll never feel left out again. But it does give us the tools to run our own race. Focus on your thick desires and set your benchmarks. Appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

If this hit home, check out “Wanting” by Luke Burgess for more aha moments. And hey, if you’re feeling a little lost, tune into our next book club for some compass recalibration. Thanks for hanging out!

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