The Reality Check: When Mega Achievements are Not Working
Have you ever set a goal for yourself, worked tirelessly towards it, only to find out that achieving it didn’t make you as happy as you thought it would? This is called the “hedonic treadmill”, where we keep chasing the next big thing hoping it will bring us ultimate happiness. But what happens when achieving those mega accomplishments don’t work out as planned? Let’s dive in.
The Downside of Mega Achievements
We often hear about the amazing accomplishments of the world’s most successful people – the millionaires/billionaires, the elite athletes, the top-performing musicians, the Nobel prize winners, etc. While their achievements seem impressive, we often don’t talk about what happens in their lives when those accomplishments don’t fill the void they were hoping for.
Several studies show that people who pursue mega-achievements, such as winning an Olympic gold medal or becoming a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, often experience a feeling of let down or disappointment after achieving them. They realize that the thing they thought would make them happy doesn’t live up to their expectations. This is because the excitement of achieving a mega accomplishment is short-lived, and eventually, we return to our baseline level of happiness.
Understanding the Role of Adaptation
The human brain is designed to adapt to our circumstances, and this is the underlying reason why mega accomplishments do not fulfill us in the long run. Our brains get used to the new status quo and eventually crave something more. This is commonly referred to as the hedonic adaptation or “hedonic treadmill”.
For example, when we get a promotion at work, we may feel happy and accomplished for a brief period. But as we adjust to the new role, our brain starts to adapt, and our desire for even more success increases. If we don’t understand the way our brains function and the role of adaptation, we can end up feeling lost, unmotivated, or even depressed.
The Importance of Perspective
So, what can we do to avoid the downside of mega achievements and instead find true fulfillment? One critical component is gaining perspective.
We must look at our mega accomplishments through a broader lens, rather than as the ultimate end goal. By focusing on the journey, we can appreciate the effort, the people, the experiences, and the lessons learned along the way. This mindset change allows us not to be blindly driven by our goals but instead appreciate the process and find joy in the journey.
Conclusion
Mega achievements are not inherently bad. They can give us purpose, direction, challenge, and growth. The downside occurs when we place too much focus on them as the ultimate end goal and forget to appreciate the journey. By gaining perspective and understanding how our brains work, we can find true fulfillment and happiness, regardless of our accomplishments. It’s time for a reality check, let’s enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
