I think maybe a good way to describe it is a hierarchy of priorities. The examples you give, taking care of a wife, family responsibilities etc... are in your

I think maybe a good way to describe it is a hierarchy of priorities. The examples you give, taking care of a wife, family responsibilities etc... are in your words "non-negotiable." Which I interpret as required to be maintained as top priority irrespective of all other wants, needs and desires. Each of those examples however, except for having a disability, is truly a choice in terms of priority. I think most people would argue that it is unconscionable to abandon a family or ailing spouse to "follow their dreams," however it's surprisingly common to see. That's not to defend it, but simply to point out that it is done and with surprising frequency, by people who you probably admire. Someone quoted Bukowski on here recently, as giving some insight into the mind of someone who is fully invested in something, and I think it's apropos for this discussion: "If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench...etc [1]" It sounds like your suggesting that people are actively making that "all-in investment" in what you describe as non-negotiables. [1] https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/13275.Charles_Bukowski https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/13275.Charles_Bukows...