i like it better dead

people seek equity - internal, external, individual; and make social comparisons. They, having seen many others being brilliant, succesful and all, set high targets for themselves. When they try and fail to achieve those targets, they seek to reduce dissonance (inequities) by changing either their inputs (put in less effort), or the outcomes (set lower targets), or their subject of comparison (im still better than the mediocre).
maybe it's a wise thing to do since it makes people feel better about themselves. but they stay where they are.

awareness takes you further.

she said, if you want to be rich and successful one day, be ready to put in the amount of effort thats required to get you there. If you are unwilling to put in that amount of effort, dont forget, you always have the choice of opting out of the rat race. but if you do so, keep it mind that there is and there will be a heavy price to pay. If you can handle the consequences, nobody will/can question you for who you are and who you choose to be.

what are you doing, stupid lord voldemort.