People don’t know themselves

People don’t know themselves, and therefore do not know their goals. But they look around and, seemingly, everyone else does, and they have all these cool goals, like making their first million, so those empty people, copy the goals of others, and start the life of a sleeping zombie. So long as there’s always some next shiny thing to want, and get, they will never know themselves to understand what they truly want.

The quest for self-knowledge and authentic goals is a complex journey, often obscured by societal pressures and psychological factors. A study suggests that when setting goals, individuals are initially motivated by the envisioned rewards, but as they embark on the journey, the focus shifts to the effort required, leading to a disconnect between initial aspirations and actual commitment.

This shift can result in adopting externally influenced goals that may not align with one’s true self. Furthermore, the formation of a provisional identity, influenced by childhood definitions and emotional environments, can lead to a fixed self-image that resists positive change, making it challenging for individuals to know themselves and their genuine desires. The mirror neuron system in our brains facilitates the imitation of others’ emotional displays, which can lead to adopting their internal feelings and goals, often without conscious awareness.

This biological programming underscores the tendency to copy others, especially when there is a lack of self-esteem or a secure sense of self. The phenomenon of copycat behaviour, a form of social learning, occurs without intention, further complicating the pursuit of authentic self-knowledge and goals. In essence, the interplay between cognitive focus, provisional identity, and social imitation shapes the understanding of self and the formulation of goals, often leading individuals to pursue aspirations that may not truly resonate with their innermost desires.

To break free from this cycle, it is essential to engage in introspection and critical examination of one’s motivations and aspirations, fostering a deeper connection with one’s authentic self.