In every stage of human life, we set new goals. Whether it is landing a dream job, securing a promotion, or finally publishing a long-awaited book, these milestones are deeply intertwined with our sense of self-worth and the desire for validation. However, the question remains: can these external achievements truly fill the void within? The recent experience of an author awaiting the publication of their manuscript highlights this universal struggle. As the author waits for a publisher's approval, they are not merely waiting for a professional milestone; they are measuring their own value as a human being through the lens of external recognition.
From a psychoanalytic perspective, it becomes clear that when we chase specific goals, we subconsciously believe that their attainment will resolve all our inner turmoil. The author believes that once the book is published, their long-standing anxiety will dissipate, and the guilt over time spent writing will vanish. Yet, the reality is that as soon as one goal is achieved, a new ambition emerges. It is an endless cycle where satisfaction is fleeting, and desire is perpetual.
French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan’s concept of 'objet petit a' is highly relevant here. According to Lacan, humans are constantly chasing an object that they can never fully possess. Our desires are merely reflections of this inherent incompleteness. When we believe that a specific achievement will bring us fulfillment, we are essentially chasing a mirage. Human psychology is structured in such a way that we are always yearning for something beyond our current state.
Basing our self-worth on social recognition or the praise of others makes our self-esteem fragile. When we define our existence through the validation of our work, we become slaves to the opinions of others. The way out of this mindset is to enjoy the process of our work and reduce our over-reliance on outcomes. Our value does not depend on external accolades or publications; it is an internal realization.
Ultimately, the meaning of life lies not just in reaching the destination, but in the experience of the journey itself. If we chase only recognition, the true joys of life will remain unnoticed. Instead of being blinded by the obsession with achievement, we must learn to embrace our existence as human beings. True peace of mind comes from recognizing our intrinsic worth, independent of the metrics of success imposed by society.
