The Day I Realized Success Was a Drug | The Addiction of Success
A Personal Journey Toward Purpose and Progress of a student who hates studying, avoids effort, and questions why some people always win. Then something changed. This isn’t just a story—it’s a shift in mindset that turned resistance into obsession and effort into fuel.
Introduction
We often think of success as something reserved for the “gifted” or “lucky” ones. Some people seem born to lead, to win, to innovate—while the rest of us wonder how they keep going and why they do it. I used to think like that, too. But over time, through a mix of trial, failure, and a surprising self-discovery, I realized something powerful: success is addictive—and in the best possible way.
This isn’t a story about being born exceptional. It’s about learning to fall in love with growth, mastering your mindset, and chasing that next big achievement—not because you’re told to, but because it becomes a part of who you are.
Part I: From Disinterest to Discovery
I wasn’t someone who naturally gravitated toward traditional definitions of “hard work.” Whether it was schoolwork or structured tasks, I used to think, “This is boring. What’s the point of all this?” I found comfort in distractions, not direction.
But deep down, there was always a curiosity:
- Why do some people keep showing up every day with full energy?
- Why do certain individuals keep rising, while others feel stuck?
- Is success really about talent, or is there something else behind it?
This curiosity became the first quiet spark that led to change.
Part II: The First Breakthrough
One day, after committing seriously to a goal—preparing consistently, pushing past the usual excuses—I experienced something I hadn’t expected: that moment when your efforts finally pay off. Not in terms of applause or rewards, but in terms of internal satisfaction.
That feeling was different. It wasn’t a short-lived high like scrolling through social media or finishing a show. It was deep, long-lasting, and fulfilling. It felt earned. And that changed everything.
For the first time, I saw hard work not as a burden, but as a pathway. The resistance I used to feel toward effort started to fade, replaced by a quiet confidence that said: “If I can do this, what else can I do?”
Part III: Dopamine of True Achievement
Success releases something in us. Science calls it dopamine, the “reward chemical.” But unlike instant dopamine hits from binge-watching or gaming, the kind triggered by earned success is stronger, more lasting, and far more meaningful.
There’s a difference between quick gratification and deep gratification.
- One fades as fast as it comes.
- The other stays with you—and changes how you see yourself.
That moment taught me that achievement itself can become a healthy addiction. Once you start tasting the rewards of discipline, commitment, and consistent effort, you naturally want more. You begin to structure your life around challenges—not because they’re easy, but because overcoming them makes you better.
Part IV: Beyond Academics — A Universal Principle
This isn’t just about education or early career milestones. The pattern repeats in every stage of life.
Take Elon Musk, for example. A man with more wealth than he could ever need, yet he still works tirelessly. Why? Because it’s not just about money—it’s about the feeling of building something bigger than yourself, the drive to solve problems, and the satisfaction that comes from pushing boundaries.
Whether you're a student aiming to master a subject or a professional scaling your career, success comes down to the same core principles:
- Consistent effort
- A mindset focused on growth
- The ability to find joy in discipline
- And the hunger to become better, not just bigger
Once you tap into that internal drive, you no longer need external motivation. It becomes automatic. You wake up with purpose. You work not because you have to, but because it fuels you.
Part V: Make Success Your Habit
Over time, I’ve learned that success is not one big event. It’s a daily decision. A small choice to improve, to show up, to do the uncomfortable thing when it matters.
And if you're wondering, "Where do I start?" — start small.
- Set one meaningful goal this week.
- Reflect on what you’ve done well in the past and build on it.
- Let each small win give you the energy for the next one.
The more you do this, the more it compounds. And before you know it, success becomes your rhythm. You don’t chase it anymore—it follows you because of who you’ve become.
Final Thoughts: The Healthy Addiction That Builds You
It’s okay if you’ve never considered yourself “successful.” You don’t need to be perfect. What matters is building the kind of mindset where you crave progress. Where growth isn’t something to fear—it’s something to pursue with passion.
Let success be your addiction. Not in the shallow, instant-gratification sense—but in the sense of loving the process, valuing your own potential, and chasing something greater than comfort.
So whether you're a student figuring it all out or a professional navigating the chaos of career paths, remember:
The most powerful form of motivation is internal. Feed it. Fuel it. And let it lead you to everything you're capable of.
Jatin
Author