The Danger of Constant Self-Improvement
At the core of self-improvement is the realization that there is an issue with ourselves. We, without much surprise, are not perfect. That’s easy enough to recognize. I don’t think that there’s a person on this planet who doesn’t feel that there isn’t a way in which they could improve.
Life is this rat-race that has a habitual need to show us that we are not good enough. When you’re on top of the world, the one thing you can be guaranteed is that it’s going to open a door and show you one way that you’re failing.
That’s ok, actually. It’s good to remain humble. And, against all our desire for comfort, it’s the times when we feel anxious that actually cause us to grow.
However when the self-improvement game becomes a never-ending struggle of self-doubt is when you have to begin to worry. It’s when you make an incredible accomplishment, but your brain tells you that you could’ve done better, that you need to take a step back and become aware that this desire is somewhat dangerous.
What causes this? Is it a constant need to be better than others? Something that haunts you from your past when you didn’t quite measure up? Or is it something more primal — the fear of ostracization?
Whatever it is, it’s unhealthy. Self-improvement should be for enjoyment and accomplishment. It shouldn’t be something you do just for acceptance. As soon as it enters that realm it becomes an uncontrolled monster that makes you feel as though you never are good enough. Constant self-doubt is not the road to self-improvement.
You can’t improve if you’re scared, and that’s the danger of pushing yourself too far. You doubt this, you doubt that, you doubt that you’re even good enough to make a change.
And that downward spiral doesn’t help anyone. If this happens to you, take a minute, or a week, and step out of yourself. Stop all self-improvement. Get comfortable with who you are, not who you think the world wants you to be. Get clarity. Get relaxed. Eat Cheetos and sleep in. Then, once you find yourself again, go back to improving — the healthy way.
Thanks
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps if you’re going through a difficult time right now. It happens to all of us. The important thing is to realize that 98% of the world is going through the exact same thing you are, they’re just not brave enough to admit it.
Feel free to reach out, clap, or comment if this struck a chord with you. Hope you have a great day. I mean that.
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