Why an achievement mindset leads to neurosis

If there is one principal psychological attitude of the modern mind, it is that of achievement. We examined this tangentially in one of the previous posts. This fear-greed complex keeps us constantly at unease, or more appropriately at dis-ease. Nearly the entire modern world today, is in a constant search for some achievement in future. This attitude is highly corrosive, not only to our shared humanity, and the environment but importantly, to our personal sense of self.

An achievement mindset is characterised by evaluating our sense of self-worth based on what we achieve. Rather, on what society deems fit. Having a tranquil mind, or having a fulfilling relationship is not particularly valued by the modern world because these cannot be measured. This achievement mindset is one of the primary beliefs drilled into us by every educational system – be it the universities, colleges, practical schools, or kindergartens. We are told again and again that we will be ‘promoted’ and therefore valued, only if we achieve good grades. Nowhere throughout this system are we told, that we are inherently valuable because of our humanity, even so, because we are a unique creation in this universe. We are not worthy, merely because we are alive. We need to prove our worth through hard work, perfect discipline and competition.

This indoctrination – both at school and at home (for parents are also products of this system) – makes us lose sight of who we are. Nearly all of us grow up to be insecure adults, not valuing ourselves inherently. This deep insecurity, we desperately try to fill with material consumption, accolades, fancy university degrees, relationships, trophies, exotic holidays, social media points and even spiritual experiences. All the while, feeling empty. Knowing that nothing inherently satisfies us, but always chasing the next thing. We are, in a sense, racehorses, bred to run, until we drop dead.

Many of our modern ailments stem from this achievement mindset. Depression, self-hatred, anxiety and a host of psychological diseases are born just because we aren’t at ease with ourselves. How then, can we begin to deprogram this insidious pattern?

We do this by learning to act for the pure joy of acting. Not for any appreciation. Not for any reward. Not to get somewhere in the future. But because there is inherent joy in that activity. Such activities are their own reward and are based on one important psychological attitude – curiosity. When we express our genuine curiosity, we realize that we are never in the future. Say, for instance, we are deeply engaged in a book and we are curious for the plot to resolve itself. Most of us, do not jump to the climax. No. We go through the book because every line is joyful, and every chapter brims with meaning.

Curiosity is the basis for creative expression. And when we genuinely want to explore, discover and understand something, we naturally become good at it. It is this, and only this, attitude that can save us from the neurological distress that plagues so many of us. This is why most children are not depressed. It is because they are so fully engaged in curious, creative play, that they are simply not worried about getting to an illusory point in future. Not so surprisingly, they have a greater capacity for learning and absorption than most adults do.

This creative exploration is also the basis of meaning. You see, in an achievement mindset, we think we find a sense of emotional completion – or meaning – once something is obtained after the activity has been performed. However, from our own experience, such results do not inherently satisfy us. Yes, they may bring a temporary sense of exhilaration or excitement. But as Father Thomas Merton said,

If you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy, then you have not begun to live.

Thomas Merton

Creative expression is what we are meant to do. We are a unique element of Nature’s creation, and we all have our unique expressions, however small or insignificant they seem to be. And our life’s task is to recognise this and simply express it. It involves no strain, for we are merely being ourselves. And in this creative expression, our life attains its meaning. Even if our job is to sweep the streets clean, we do it in alignment with ourselves. This brings peace, joy and a sense of deep fulfilment.

So let us begin the process of identifying one or two things that we do for the pure joy of doing it. Become aware of how we feel when we do this. And while we may not be able to completely upend our jobs, careers, family, we can begin to carve out some moments in the day, when we get in touch with our creative selves. This is the home button to our lives. And as we become familiar with this inner sense of home, we eventually keep visiting it more frequently. Eventually, we move in there. This is the source of well-being and the source of all meaning.