In a society that measures worth by constant achievement, it’s essential to reassess our value systems and find fulfillment in our current roles, prioritise mental well-being over the relentless chase for more.
We frequently find ourselves in a dilemma in today’s world: even if we have everything, we nevertheless long for more. People may be wealthy, successful, and stable, but they still struggle to find peace of mind. This phenomenon is common in a number of sectors, including business, education, and other areas of life.
A never-ending race
There is an endless desire for more as a result of society’s fast evolution. The system or social norms force people to reach more goals even when they already have plenty. Both mental and emotional health may suffer as a result of needless stress brought on by this pressure. Professionals in a variety of fields react differently to this stress. Even after reaching financial stability, a business owner may still feel pressured to grow out of concern that they may fall behind competitors. Students in education are frequently under tremendous pressure to obtain higher degrees not because they are interested in doing so, but rather to satisfy social expectations. People may feel compelled to always improve upon their prior work or adhere to commercial standards, even in creative industries like music and painting where enthusiasm should ideally be the driving force behind success.
These demands are not unique to any one field, rather, they are a reflection of society’s broader fixation with “more.”
Personal Experience in Medicine
I have personal observations of this in my own life. After completing my MBBS, I currently work as a medical officer and make a salary that I consider more than adequate. However, neither my family nor the system are happy. Pursuing a postgraduate degree (PG) is implicitly expected, as though an MBBS is insufficient on its own. Sometimes, this push from society to keep moving up the qualifications ladder has made me doubt the choices I’ve made. Why did I initially decide to pursue an MBBS? Several professionals in a variety of disciplines are impacted by this pressure, so it’s not just me.
The Dangers of Unrelenting Pressure
To be clear, I have nothing against the idea of getting a PG degree. My argument is this: is it insufficient for someone to stop at MBBS and give it their all in that capacity? I have witnessed MBBS interns consider their internships as mere formality because they are concentrating on their PG studies rather than wanting to obtain experience. The worth of the work they are performing now is diminished by this. According to my observations in the medical community, more than 70% of my coworkers feel psychological stress of some kind. This is frequently fueled by the unrelenting desire to obtain additional credentials, whether through PG or other degree programs.
Many professionals’ mental health is gradually suffering as a result of their relentless pressure to be more, do more, and accomplish more. And it’s not limited to medicine. Employees in corporate positions who are currently doing well might be pushed to take on more work or obtain more qualifications to remain relevant. Teachers’ enthusiasm for teaching is frequently compromised by the expectation that they maintain up-to-date certifications. Even in family-run firms, the younger generation may feel tremendous pressure to expand the company beyond what has already been accomplished, losing sight of the initial delight that came from working in the family business. People’s mental health is suffering in every industry as a result of this never-ending quest for “more.”
A Call for Contentment
We need to reconsider this system. People’s roles and contributions at every stage of their careers need to be valued. An MBBS should be regarded and valued for their work if they are performing it productively. Being “just” an MBBS should not be a source of guilt if it brings one contentment and joy. This holds true for all occupations. A teacher with a PhD is no more important than one who puts their all into the classroom without an additional degree. A company owner who operates a reliable, neighborhood store shouldn’t feel less than someone who is branching out into other areas. Success is determined by how well we function in our current situation rather than by how much more we can do.
We are the ones to change. The pressure to always strive for more will start to lessen when we learn to be happy with what we have and concentrate on living each day to the fullest. Only then will we be able to build a more balanced and healthy society where contentment and mental calmness are valued more highly than unending ambition.
Conclusion
In a society that is always pushing us to aim higher, it’s critical to pause and consider whether the sacrifice is worthwhile. It’s not always necessary to pursue the next certification or professional milestone to succeed. Being happy with what we have and doing our best in the roles we currently have can sometimes lead to true success. This statement is valid in all domains, including business, education, and medicine. By altering our perspective, we can discover genuine enjoyment in the here and now and lessen the crippling tension brought on by irrational social expectations. The definition of success has to be updated.
The writer is a Medical Officer at PHC Shargole, Kargil
By Dr Fazal ul Haq Wani