No Pain, No Gain? Well, Even With Pain, You Might Not Gain Much

Roy Lam
5 min readAug 21, 2024

In a world where hustle culture and the pursuit of success have long been celebrated, a curious shift is taking place, particularly among Generation Z. The age-old adage “no pain, no gain” is being met with skepticism and a collective shrug. But why? This article delves into the changing attitudes towards achievement, the reasons behind this shift, and the broader implications for society.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

The Changing Face of Achievement

From Ambition to Contentment

Traditionally, success has been synonymous with climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating wealth, and achieving societal status. However, younger generations, especially Gen Z, are beginning to redefine what success means to them. This shift is characterized by:

  1. Prioritizing experiences over possessions
  2. Valuing work-life balance over career advancement
  3. Seeking fulfillment and purpose rather than prestige
  4. Embracing minimalism and rejecting consumerism

The Rise of “Soft Life” Culture

Social media platforms are awash with content promoting the “soft life” — a lifestyle that prioritizes ease, comfort, and enjoyment over constant…

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Roy Lam

Simplifying AI & psychology insights. 😌 Decoding tech’s impact on life daily. 🔍For collaboration: 13032765d@connect.polyu.hk.