Surmounting 'Betterment Burnout': Three Strategies Suggested by a Psychologist
In contemporary society, achieving personal growth and success is often seen as the pinnacle of life, and it's not uncommon to find oneself caught in a never-ending pursuit of improvement and betterment. However, this constant drive for self-improvement can lead to a less recognized form of burnout known as "betterment burnout."
Betterment burnout arises when the quest for self-betterment becomes overwhelming, causing feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and a lack of fulfillment. One may find themselves reading endless self-help books, working on emotional healing, or attempting to find their zen, only to feel like there's always something more to fix or achieve.
A person constantly seeking betterment may think, "I'm never quite healed enough" or "I should be further along," which can result in feelings of disappointment and frustration rather than the sense of progress they expected. This unsettling cycle can creep up on you slowly, disguised as a well-intentioned desire to improve or achieve one's goals.
To deal with betterment burnout and develop a healthier approach to personal growth, consider the following tips:
1. Transition from Fixing to Acceptance
One of the biggest pitfalls of constant self-improvement is the belief that there's always something amiss that requires fixing. Yes, personal growth is crucial, but constantly viewing yourself as a "work in progress" can be intimidating and leave you feeling perpetually unfulfilled.
Self-acceptance is the key to breaking out of this cycle. By embracing yourself as you are, even while fostering growth, you will find that healing and self-improvement need not constitute never-ending tasks. Research shared in the journal Human Development has demonstrated that self-compassion is linked to improved emotional resilience and a healthier mindset, without the negative consequences that might arise from over-boosting self-esteem.
Self-compassion involves being kind to yourself, accepting that mistakes are an inherent part of life, and refraining from too harsh self-criticism. It fosters feelings of less anxiety and greater motivation to grow. A helpful practice is to transition from a mindset of "I need to fix this about myself" to "I am enough, and I choose to grow at my own pace." This approach allows personal growth to become an enriching journey, rather than an insatiable quest for the next breakthrough.
When difficulties arise, address them as needed rather than operating under the pressure to constantly improve. Growth may take place naturally as life presents challenges.
2. Establish Boundaries with Self-Improvement Practices
It's essential to recognize that personal growth isn't a full-time job. While self-work can provide numerous benefits, don't feel pressured to engage in every self-help method the moment you hear about it. Research published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that engaging in various types of leisure activities, as opposed to just one, seems to provide the most significant mental and physical health advantages.
These activities help serve as a buffer against stress, improving overall wellbeing. Create space for relaxation and spontaneity, and enjoy activities that do not require a specific goal. Engage in low-pressure activities like spending time with loved ones, gardening, or simply being present in the moment.
Setting boundaries with self-improvement involves recognizing that growth doesn't have to be a constant preoccupation. By establishing these boundaries, you can maintain balance, reduce stress, and feel more energized, thereby encouraging greater personal growth.
3. Revise Your Concept of Progress
Redefining progress involves turning away from the conventional mindset that success is measured solely by accomplishments and unending hustle. True growth is about becoming more—developing self-awareness and learning to embrace stillness.
Society often defines success by what we can achieve—how many tasks we can complete, goals we can meet, or personal breakthroughs we can make. However, genuine growth transcends accomplishments and hustle—it's about being more—being present, aware, and mindful.
Mindfulness can foster wellbeing, stress management, and productivity, according to a 2024 study in BMC Medical Education. By developing mindfulness skills, such as being aware of your thoughts and emotions without judgment or immediate reaction, you can enjoy better wellbeing, productivity, and coping skills in difficult situations.
Incorporating this mindset may involve:
- Embracing slow progress and taking time to not only accomplish goals but also to reflect on lessons along the way.
- Pausing occasionally to reconnect with yourself, checking in with your true intention when the drive to work on yourself arises.
- Setting value-based goals, ensuring that your definition of success reflects your well-being, which necessitates prioritizing self-care and revitalizing aspects of life that bring you joy.
- Celebrating small victories instead of working tirelessly to attain an unrealistic ideal of who you should be.
By embracing a balanced, mindful approach to personal growth, you can overcome betterment burnout and establish a healthier, more fulfilling mindset.
- Embracing self-acceptance can help break the cycle of constant self-improvement, leading to improved emotional resilience and a healthier mindset as shown in the journal Human Development.
- To manage betterment burnout, establish boundaries with self-improvement practices by engaging in various leisure activities, creating space for relaxation, and avoiding the pressure to constantly engage in every self-help method.
- Revise your concept of progress to include becoming more, focusing on self-awareness, mindfulness, and embracing stillness, as opposed to measuring success solely by accomplishments and hustle.
- Redefining progress allows for the celebration of small victories instead of relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal, encouraging a healthier mindset and fostering better wellbeing.
- Mark Travers, a self-improvement advocate, recommends regularly taking breaks from self-improvement activities to prevent fatigue and maintain productivity, emphasizing the importance of balance in personal growth.
