It’s overwhelming to think how much media exists. . . . Nowadays you can watch almost anything with only a few clicks. In a way, that’s great because you have instant access to so much media, but I find myself wanting to consume more, to try and watch as many things as possible in the shortest time. So on one hand I can catch up on things I missed out on, but on the other, it kind of cheapens the whole experience. . . . So the question is: Is it better to have access to more, all at once, or to have less, but appreciate it more?

―James Rolfe

What makes the answer difficult to accept?

Perfectionism turns a healthy drive to achieve into a race to consume as much achievement as possible. Accomplishment for its own sake cheapens the experience.

Achievement consumerism pops out impressive resumes but produces little in the way of actual qualification, growth, or satisfaction. Success that serves meaningful personal goals leads to appreciation. Manic intellectual and social trophy hoarding leads to blankness.

Pursuing the illusion of accomplishment and progression is an ungratifying, addictive coping mechanism. We must do less, and be less, than perfectionism wants us to.