Thomas Opong, a writer in the fields of psychology and personal development, addresses the dark side of extreme self-improvement in an article. He points out whether we are so focused on becoming a better version of ourselves that we forget to live.
Endless Pursuit of Betterment
Self-help books, success podcasts, and endless programs for improvement are seemingly meant to make life better and richer. But what if this pursuit of betterment turns into a constant obsession? Sometimes we become so engrossed in correcting weaknesses and increasing productivity that we forget to enjoy life in the present moment.
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In this cycle, each new book adds a new habit to our daily routine, and we look for other issues in our character that need to be addressed. Even activities that are naturally beneficial can become part of this obsession. For example, when instead of enjoying a walk, we listen to a podcast about productivity enhancement.
A Good Life is a Process
The main problem arises when no moment in life seems sufficient without striving for betterment. Self-improvement usually starts with a logical observation: you realize you get angry easily or procrastinate. However, this effort becomes problematic when instead of correcting a specific behavior, you view your entire existence as an unfinished project for repair and reconstruction.
Carl Rogers, a respected psychologist, said about a good life: "A good life is a process, not a static condition." This statement reminds us of the importance of personal growth as a journey, not a destination. Humans are always changing, and there is no perfect version to which you can become once and for all.
Therefore, perhaps the best thing you can do for self-improvement is to set aside moments for yourself and see what there is to enjoy, love, and live for. This is an invitation to reconsider the goal of self-improvement; life should not be turned into an endless list of tasks and corrections.
Ultimately, the important question is not how much better you have become each day; the question is how much opportunity you have had to live while on the path to betterment.
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