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Hey friend,

The deeper you get into self-help, the more seductive the idea of “progress” becomes. But chasing it keeps you blind to what’s already here.

Most high performers don’t just want to succeed, they want to take it to the next level - they want to transcend.

So when they discover meditation, psychedelics, ospiritual teachings, they bring the same energy:

“How do I go further?”
“How do I stay in that state?”
“What’s the next level of “awakening” or “enlightenment?”

It’s no longer about business, money, or abs. It’s about reaching enlightenment. Or at least the most optimized nervous system in the room.

But here’s the trap:

They’ve simply swapped one form of striving… for a more “spiritual” one.
So rather than being free, you’re just running a different race.
I know I was.

The Loop:

The ego loves to play dress-up. If it can’t be the most successful person, it’ll try to be the most awakened. It will chase peak states, mystical downloads, expanded consciousness…

And call that “freedom.”

But this subtle seeking is still rooted in the same identity structure:

“I am someone who lacks something I need to get.”

Which means… Even the most profound spiritual experience becomes just another chapter in the book of me.

The Neuroscience:

As you know by know, your brain is a prediction machine. It’s how it works. It survives by detecting errors and solving problems. (From a evolutionary perspective, it’s job is to keep you alive).

When it believes awakening or enlightenment is a goal, it applies the same operating logic:

→ “Not there yet.”
→ “Still work to do.”
→ “Must eliminate these thoughts/emotions to reach clarity.”

This activates the same stress loops that ran during your career grind. Same cortisol, different costume.

The Default Mode Network keeps looping because it’s trying to arrive.

But in reality, there’s nowhere to get.

The Flip:

The awakened state isn’t something you achieve.

It’s what remains when the drive to become dissolves.

No more “next level.” No more “holding the frequency.” No more “fixing your vibration.”

True freedom is the absence of the one chasing freedom.

This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t grow. It means you no longer mistake growth for identity.

There’s nothing wrong with learning, healing, exploring… But it’s only liberating when it’s free from the grasp of becoming.

The Practice:

Sit still for 60 seconds.

Not to achieve anything.
Not to clear your thoughts.
Not to raise your vibe.

Just watch.

Notice any movement toward wanting it to be different.

Then drop the commentary.

Let everything be exactly as it is.

That’s it.

The more ordinary it feels, the closer you are.

The Reflection:

Where am I still chasing a future version of myself, even in my “spiritual” practice?

The Reframe:

You don’t need to evolve into your higher self.

You need to recognize that the one trying to evolve was never you.

Stop trying to transcend.

Start noticing what’s never moved.

You’re already there :)

Nic

PS. Want to rest in who you are rather than strive to be who you aren’t? Join the Neuroscience of Change - an online program rewiring what’s really running you. Name your own price (Pay What You Can) to get your hands on this powerful program.

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