Overcoming Permanent Dissatisfaction: Strategies for Maximum Potential and Integrated Wellness

2024-05-07 14:43:54

In an age where instant gratification and the constant pursuit of pleasure are ubiquitous, the feeling of being caught in a spiral of permanent dissatisfaction has become increasingly common in today’s society. In short, there are many people living immersed in one chronic dissatisfactioneven when at first glance they seem to have everything necessary to achieve theirs Maximum potential And be happy. However, this emotional void which they experience every day leads them to an inability to enjoy themselves, which has a significant impact on their mental health and his integrated wellness.

“Without a doubt, this is a multidimensional subject, which is why it has been taken up throughout history by different fields of study, from Greek philosophy, sociology or positive psychology, where representatives such as Martin Seligman proposed the concept of “hedonic adaptation” which consists of the the fact that when individuals achieve their goals and desires, happiness tends to return to a base level, which can be interpreted as a feeling of permanent dissatisfaction.For this reason, it can be defined as a persistent state of emotional discomfort and dissatisfaction that affects the subjective perception of well-being and satisfaction with life. Basically, this can manifest as a constant emptiness, lack of purpose or hopelessness, despite repeated attempts to find happiness”, highlighted Dr. José Alfonso Mesía Guevara, president of the organizational psychology committee of the College of Psychologists of Peru. Welfare.

What can cause permanent dissatisfaction in a person?

Dissatisfaction is a feeling that appears when the things we have or what we have achieved do not in themselves meet our expectations, in other words there is a discrepancy between our own expectations and reality. As Liliana Tuñoque, psychotherapist at the International Clinic, expressed, one of the most common reasons is when we are not very clear regarding what we really want, generating a feeling of emptiness and not being able to find something that truly fulfills us. Specifically, they are those people who always have their eyes on others and constantly compare themselves, in addition to the fact that they are usually focused on meeting external demands and pressures.

Permanent dissatisfaction can be the result of a number of factors, such as unrealistic expectations, excessive self-criticism, lack of self-acceptance, constant comparison with others, among others.

For his part, the psychologist said that the reasons can be diverse, both external and internal. On the one hand, there are certain external factors, such as chronic stress, social pressure and traumatic events that can trigger feelings of constant discomfort, while internally the following psychological factors can contribute to this condition:

• Anhedonia: Refers to the inability to experience pleasure in activities that would normally be rewarding. This symptom is common in mood disorders, such as depression. Technically, anhedonia is one of the main symptoms of depression and can contribute to a general feeling of dissatisfaction and emptiness.
• Cognitive distortions: These are negative and biased thought patterns that can affect the way people interpret their surroundings and experiences.
• Perfectionism: Refers to the relentless pursuit of extremely high standards and excessive self-demand, which can hinder the ability to enjoy experiences due to constant dissatisfaction with the results.
• Self-criticism: When people are overly critical of themselves, They tend to magnify their mistakes and errors, which can lead to low self-esteem and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction.
• Rumination: The tendency to repeatedly focus on negative thoughts regarding oneself, others, or the world in general. Prolonged rumination can increase feelings of dissatisfaction and reduce the ability to enjoy positive experiences.

How is occasional dissatisfaction different from chronic dissatisfaction?

Occasional dissatisfaction is a normal reaction to temporary setbacks or unfulfilled expectations, which can be experienced by everyone and at different times in life. Initially, this tends to diminish over time as the individual adapts to new circumstances or finds different ways to overcome obstacles. On the other hand, permanent dissatisfaction implies a chronic state of dissatisfaction that persists over time, regardless of the positive or negative experiences that may occur.

“When a person is dissatisfied at any time, they often say phrases like, ‘I might have done more,’ ‘no matter what I do, I will never be able to do anything well,’ and ‘I didn’t do my best to make everything perfect. » mentioned the specialist from the International Clinic.

People who experience a state of permanent dissatisfaction may find it difficult to enjoy success or find happiness in everyday life, as they are always looking for something else to fill an inner void.

What are signs and symptoms that may reflect permanent dissatisfaction?

Signs and symptoms that may indicate someone is experiencing a state of permanent dissatisfaction include: a combination of persistent negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, irritability and hopelessness. Likewise, as Dr. Mesía pointed out, it can manifest itself in changes in behavior, whether it’s social isolation, lack of motivation, and the inability to enjoy activities that were previously considered enjoyable. Changes in sleep and appetite may also occur.

How does enduring dissatisfaction affect long-term mental and emotional health?

The most common effect is the development of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Absolute, permanent dissatisfaction can act as a risk factor for these conditions, thus exacerbating symptoms and making treatment difficult. Likewise, it can contribute to the development of other psychological problems, such as low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and interpersonal insecurity.

“Of course, maintaining this condition chronically can negatively affect interpersonal relationships, academic or work performance, and overall life satisfaction. Likewise, various longitudinal studies have shown that dissatisfaction is associated with a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease over time,” indicated the expert from the College of Psychologists of Peru.

What therapeutic strategies or techniques are effective in dealing with permanent dissatisfaction?

Without a doubt, it is important to learn to accept ourselves as we are, i.e. with our virtues and flaws, as well as to set realistic goals and avoid comparing ourselves with others. In fact, we can achieve this through psychotherapy, specifically under the cognitive behavioral approach, which helps us become aware of our negative thoughts and cognitive distortions that contribute to our dissatisfaction and emotional discomfort, thus giving us a wide variety of tools stressful situations with greater clarity and respond to them more effectively, said Liliana Tuñoque.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude for what we already have, rather than focusing on what we lack, can change our perspective and help us find satisfaction in the small things in life.

“Another option is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which helps people accept their thoughts and feelings, rather than fight them, while committing to actions that are consistent with their personal values ​​and life goals. This is definitely an excellent therapeutic option to treat chronic dissatisfaction, as it encourages a change of perspective and greater psychological flexibility,” said the specialist.

How can we overcome permanent dissatisfaction?

According to the psychotherapist, if someone finds themselves trapped in a cycle of permanent dissatisfaction and attempts to change their perspective and mentality, they may perform the following practices or habits:

• Reflect on thoughts: It is important to take the time to analyze our thoughts and feelings, to identify the negative patterns that contribute to our dissatisfaction and work to change them gradually. Similarly, it is important to learn to appreciate every step and achievement, no matter how small, and to always look for the positive side of things. To do this, we can practice mindfulness or mindfulness, as it allows us to focus on the present moment without judging ourselves, thereby reducing rumination and improving emotional well-being.
• Practice Gratitude: Be thankful for what we have It can help us shift our focus towards the positive in our lives. Every day we should take a moment to reflect on the things we are grateful for. Therefore, it is important to validate every achievement we have and also be able to enjoy our mistakes, which are a great learning opportunity.
• Set clear and realistic goals: These goals should be achievable and aligned with personal values, giving us a greater sense of purpose and direction in life. It is important to remember that success is not always linked to external achievements, but also to personal fulfillment and internal growth.
• Practice self-care: It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes activities such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, meditating, reading a book, getting quality sleep and all the positive habits that create peace and joy.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships: Establishing satisfying and healthy interpersonal relationships is essential to our emotional well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to spend time with our friends and loved ones, thus cultivating real connections that help us counteract feelings of loneliness and alienation.

“The first big step we have to take is to be able to recognize that we are in the middle of a vicious circle of dissatisfaction, but we also have to remember that change takes time and patience. For this reason, it is important that we are kind to ourselves during this process and find a therapeutic space and professional support if necessary, to be able to work on our own insecurities and focus on our overall well-being.”

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