Consider Schopenhauer‘s telic vs atelic pursuits vis-a-vis happiness. Telic pursuits are those like you reference, badges of honor that have an end (job promoti

Consider Schopenhauer‘s telic vs atelic pursuits vis-a-vis happiness. Telic pursuits are those like you reference, badges of honor that have an end (job promotion, raise, bigger house, whatever). These are inevitably and ultimately unsatisfying. Atelic pursuits, on the other hand, have no end. Like a craftsman, you are always honing them, never “done”. These are where fulfillment comes from. Being the best [x] you can be. Father, runner, etc. The journey is the destination.