This is a really nice, short piece by @oliverburkeman. Essential reading, I think.
A few additional thoughts (thread).
theguardian.com/money/oliver-b…
Anyways, here's some stuff I learned that's been helpful...
-Some people are insensitive to dopamine, the neurochemical associated with striving. They need more of it to feel good (so they strive more).
-Everyone can become hooked on the cycle of doing/achieving, especially if rewarded in childhood.
-Flow
-Fear
-Insecurity
At different times, in different contexts these levers may contribute disproportionately. Best is when it's flow for most things most of the time.
1) Work on underlying problem (e.g., therapy, meditation, sharing in a community)
2) Say f*ck it and point the drive in ways that are aligned with your core values
AND, to work on the underlying stuff too, so you control your passion instead of your passion controlling you.