High Achievers, Why Are Often Unsatisfied And Unhappy?

Illustration of the reasons why high achievers feel less happy (Unsplash/Siora Photography)

YOGYAKARTA – Pursuing high achievements or achievements requires sacrifice. Aspects in life such as relationships, free time, and physical and emotional needs are often the victims. The goal is to achieve achievement, but it turns out that when you get it you are never satisfied.

To quote Sabrina Samanoff, Psy.D., high achievers invest most of their energy into fulfilling an endless list of awards. Like earning multiple titles, there are many organizations to join, promotions to gain, and board positions to be accepted. Ultimately, this pursuit is an attempt to overcome feelings of worthlessness or feeling inadequate for what one is.

Achievements are not achieved from scratch, but they consider themselves less skilled, smart, or naturally capable. This is what drives them to work harder to compensate for this perceived deficiency. This 'lopsided' self-perception, said Samanoff, was reported by Psychology Today, Friday, April 22, based on the difficulties experienced in the past. According to his findings, there is a common history of childhood depression that goes undiagnosed and not only makes them look stagnant and careless but also untreatable.

Samanoff's picture, when they reach the top of a mountain, they can't enjoy the view because they are conditioned to keep climbing. It was as if the peak they had climbed was surrounded by rising seas. Once they reach a new goal, it feels less impressive because their base of success increases simultaneously.

Achieving a new goal, apparently does not solve internal problems. Because in the end it makes them seem successful on the outside, but trapped in a vicious circle to achieve goals but feel alienated, lonely, and hard work is not smart.