If you spend your life competing with business men, what do you

Host: The room is calm, the soft hum of the world outside barely filtering through the window. Inside, the light is warm, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, the atmosphere inviting a conversation about something deeper, something that touches on values, priorities, and the way we live our lives.

Jack: “Marilyn Monroe said, ‘If you spend your life competing with businessmen, what do you have? A bank account and ulcers!’” He repeats the words with a small, knowing smile, almost amused by the simplicity and sharpness of it. “It’s funny, isn’t it? It’s like she’s saying that living life solely for success — for money, for competition — doesn’t lead to fulfillment. It just leaves you stressed and unwell. But at the same time, there’s this pressure to keep pushing, to keep achieving. What do you think? Is she onto something there?”

Jeeny: “I think she’s absolutely right. We get caught up in this race to ‘win,’ to prove ourselves, especially when we’re chasing external markers of success — money, status, power. But in the end, what does that really get us? A bigger bank account, sure, but also burnout, anxiety, and the loss of our health, our peace, and our joy.” She leans back slightly, her voice thoughtful. “What Monroe’s pointing out is that success, at any cost, isn’t true success if it leaves you with nothing meaningful. What good is all the money in the world if you’re sacrificing your well-being in the process?”

Jack: “But isn’t there a part of us that feels like we need to compete, to keep up with others? Like we’re always measuring ourselves against what society values — financial success, career achievement. Isn’t it natural to want to prove yourself?” His voice carries a hint of frustration, as if he’s wrestling with the idea that there’s more to life than this constant striving.

Jeeny: “It’s definitely natural to want to achieve, to find success, but there’s a difference between pursuing something meaningful and chasing after what others define as success.” Her tone is steady, full of quiet wisdom. “The problem is that we often confuse busyness with purpose, thinking that if we’re working all the time or competing constantly, we’re fulfilling something deep inside us. But in reality, we can be moving a mile a minute and still be completely unfulfilled.” She pauses for a moment, her expression softening. “What Monroe is saying is that we need to redefine what success looks like for us. Success isn’t just financial. It’s about balance, peace, health, and the richness of relationships.”

Jack: “So, success isn’t about constantly pushing, constantly competing?” He looks at her, the pieces starting to fit together in his mind. “Maybe we’ve been measuring success by the wrong standard all along. Maybe it’s not about who has the most or who’s the busiest. It’s about the quality of our lives, the joy we get from what we’re doing, and how we’re taking care of ourselves and the people around us.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And success isn’t a race against others. It’s about knowing what’s truly important to you, what brings you fulfillment, and then aligning your life with those values. It’s about doing work that matters, cultivating relationships that nourish you, and taking time for your mental and physical health.” She smiles softly, her expression warm. “True success is living in a way that feels authentic to you, not chasing after someone else’s version of it.”

Jack: “I think that’s what Monroe was getting at — that a life spent chasing external success is empty if it leaves you with nothing but stress. It’s not worth the price if it means losing everything else that matters.” He leans back, his voice softer now. “Maybe the real measure of success is not how much you have, but how well you’re living, how balanced you are, and how content you feel.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And when we stop measuring our worth by external standards, we open up space for the things that actually matter. Health, happiness, peace, connection — those are the things that bring true satisfaction. We can still strive, we can still work hard, but it’s about doing it in a way that respects our well-being.” She smiles, her voice filled with a quiet affirmation. “Success is about living in alignment with your values, not just the pursuit of things or status.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, a shared sense of clarity settling between them. The world outside may continue its fast pace, but inside, Jack and Jeeny have realized that true success isn’t about competing with others or measuring ourselves against an external standard. It’s about finding balance, purpose, and peace within our own lives. Monroe’s words remind them that fulfillment doesn’t come from busyness or achievement alone, but from living authentically and taking care of the things that truly matter.

Jack: “Maybe I’ve been looking at success all wrong. It’s not about the race; it’s about the journey, and how I’m living it.” His voice is softer, a quiet sense of understanding in his words. “It’s about finding joy in the process, in the balance, and not just in what I can achieve.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When we stop chasing someone else’s idea of success and start creating our own path, that’s when we find true fulfillment.” She smiles gently, her expression filled with peace. “That’s the real success.”

Host: The room feels light now, the understanding between them clear and powerful. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that success is not about constantly competing or measuring up to external expectations. It’s about finding balance, living authentically, and nurturing the things that truly bring peace and joy into our lives. The world may continue its fast pace, but inside, they’ve realized that true fulfillment comes from living in a way that honors what matters most.