---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Missing a train is only painful if you…"
description: "\"“Missing a train is only painful if you run after it! Likewise, not matching the idea of success others expect from you is only painful if that’s what ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ed/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_fitness_missing-a-train-is-only-painful-if-you-r_582124.png"
---

#  Missing a train is only painful if you run after it!…

![“Missing a train is only painful if you run after it! Likewise, not matching the idea of success others expect from you is only painful if that’s what you are seeking. You stand above the rat race and the pecking order, not outside of it, if you do so by choice.” quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ed/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_fitness_missing-a-train-is-only-painful-if-you-r_582124.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ed/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_fitness_missing-a-train-is-only-painful-if-you-r_582124.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ed/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_fitness_missing-a-train-is-only-painful-if-you-r_582124.png)

> ““Missing a train is only painful if you run after it! Likewise, not matching the idea of success others expect from you is only painful if that’s what you are seeking. You stand above the rat race and the pecking order, not outside of it, if you do so by choice.””

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nassim-nicholas-taleb/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suggests that chasing conventional success is painful; choosing to stand apart, on your own terms, frees you from societal pressures.

**In simple terms:** Success feels painful only when you chase others’ definitions.

Key Takeaway

Choose your own path, not the rat race.

Themes

individualism success choice societal pressure freedom

Mood

thoughtful independent inspired

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

- career decisions
- creative projects
- personal relationships
- educational pursuits
- entrepreneurial ventures

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology risk identity autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

- What defines success for you?
- How can you balance independence with community?

A Different Perspective

Rejecting mainstream expectations can lead to isolation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Expect Painful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expect-painful-2176392/) [Fitness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fitness/) [Painful Run](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painful-run-694896/) [Painful Seeking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painful-seeking-2176390/) [Pecking order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pecking-order/) [Rat race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rat-race/) [Run Likewise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/run-likewise-4783312/) [Train](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/train/) [Train Painful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/train-painful-1608376/)

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