"you realize that the things that were important to you when you were younger weren't that important after all." On the other hand nothing wrong with having as

"you realize that the things that were important to you when you were younger weren't that important after all." On the other hand nothing wrong with having aspirations and if people didn't have aspirations many things in society would never be accomplished. Aspirations drive people. I think there is a saying something like "the difference between men and boys is the size of their toys". And in fact many of those "toys" don't matter once you get older simply because you are in a different place in life with different needs and outlook. Can't imprint that thought pattern when younger and quite frankly why would you? What fun would that be? I remember when I was in my 20's I was able to afford a really nice car one that I had always wanted in my teens. About a week after getting the car I was very aware of the fact that I wasn't any happier than I had been prior to getting the car (and actually thought I would be) and maybe even a little less so (anticipation effect if you want to call it that). I was still glad that I got the car though and have always had nice cars since and never regretted it. But part of my motivation has changed. Back then it was to get a girl by having a nice car and to impress people (used to be like that, the "get a girl" part many older folks will tell you). Now I like it just because its a nice thing to have. And in some cases having nice things helps with business as well in the bricks and mortar world at least.. I can tie a few deals to the fact that I drove a nice car. Plus getting random comments from strangers does provide a boost. As you get old you do become more mellow because you can be more mellow. Because in many cases you have either "arrived" or your needs have changed. The kids college is already taken care of and all of that, have a vacation place, nice house and so on. But don't think for a second that it would be possible to "not care" "now" if the effort hadn't been put in earlier to insure at least some financial security. And I am not talking about living richly either. But having enough that you don't have to be concerned with money is a nice thing don't let anyone tell you differently.