The pursuit of success, recognition, and personal achievement has become an obsession for many. This excessive need to matter, to feel significant, and to establish ourselves as indispensable individuals has far-reaching consequences on both personal and societal levels. It’s crucial to take a step back and examine the driving forces behind this compulsive behaviour and its potential impact on our lives.
The rise of social media platforms and the constant exposure to the carefully curated lives of others have only fueled the fire of our need for validation. We are constantly bombarded with images of success, beauty, and wealth, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. This may, in turn, cause us to work even harder to prove our worth or seek validation from others, creating a vicious cycle of self-promotion and social comparison.
Our excessive need to matter has its roots in the basic human desire for connection and a sense of belonging. As social animals, we crave recognition from our peers, as it validates our existence and contributes to our sense of self-worth. However, when the need for validation becomes excessive, it can lead to unhealthy levels of self-absorption, competition, and even narcissism.
The negative consequences
One of the primary consequences of this excessive need to matter is the impact on mental health. Studies have shown that the constant pursuit of success and validation can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Individuals may begin to define their self-worth solely by their accomplishments, causing them to feel perpetually dissatisfied and anxious about their performance. This can lead to burnout and a sense of isolation, as individuals become increasingly focused on their own goals and disconnected from the needs and emotions of others.
Another significant repercussion of our need to matter is its effect on relationships. In a world where everyone is vying for attention and recognition, genuine connections can become increasingly difficult to establish and maintain. People may become more guarded, competitive, or even manipulative in their interactions with others, as they seek to protect their fragile sense of self-worth. This can lead to a decline in empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence, further isolating individuals from one another and eroding the foundation of healthy relationships.
Also, the excessive need to matter can also have detrimental effects on societal values and priorities. In a culture that celebrates individualism and personal success above all else, collective concerns and the greater good may be neglected. Environmental issues, social justice, and community well-being may take a backseat to personal ambition, with individuals prioritising their own pursuits over the welfare of others.
Finding the balance
It’s essential to recognise that the need to matter is not inherently negative. A healthy desire for accomplishment and recognition can motivate individuals to develop their talents and contribute positively to society. However, when this need becomes excessive, it can lead to negative consequences for mental health, relationships, and societal values.
So, how can we find a balance between the healthy pursuit of personal success and the excessive need to matter? A few key strategies can help mitigate these issues:
- Cultivate self-awareness. Becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and motivations can help us recognise when our need for validation is driving our actions. Developing a practice of mindfulness, journaling, or therapy can assist in this process.
- Develop self-compassion. Learning to accept and care for ourselves, regardless of external validation, can help alleviate feelings of inadequacy and reduce the need for constant achievement. Practising self-compassion can foster a more stable sense of self-worth and well-being.
- Foster genuine connections. Prioritising quality relationships and engaging in activities that promote empathy, trust, and vulnerability can help counter the effects of our excessive need to matter. Engaging in community events, volunteering, or joining social groups can provide opportunities to develop meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
- Embrace imperfection. Recognising that no one is perfect and that failure is a natural part of growth can help reduce the pressure to constantly succeed. Embracing imperfection allows us to be more compassionate towards ourselves and others, and promotes a healthier mindset around success and self-worth.
- Focus on intrinsic goals. Shifting our focus from external markers of success, such as wealth or status, to intrinsic goals, such as personal growth, well-being, and relationships, can help reduce the excessive need to matter. Pursuing activities that align with our values and passions can lead to greater satisfaction and a more balanced sense of self-worth.
- Cultivate gratitude. Developing a daily gratitude practice can help shift our focus from what we lack to what we already have. Recognising and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives can contribute to a more balanced perspective on success and self-worth.
- Prioritise collective well-being. Actively engaging in activities that promote the greater good, such as environmental stewardship, social justice initiatives, or community-building efforts, can help balance our individual pursuits with a sense of shared responsibility and purpose.
Takeaway
Our excessive need to matter can have significant consequences for our mental health, relationships, and societal values. But by cultivating self-awareness, self-compassion, and genuine connections, embracing imperfection, focusing on intrinsic goals, practising gratitude, and prioritising collective well-being, we can find a healthier balance between personal achievement and a more sustainable, fulfilling way of living. In doing so, we can foster a society that values not only individual success but also the well-being of all its members.
Robert Haynes, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
