Why Do We Collectively Chase?
In the high-speed, hyper-connected world we’re living in, we’re constantly bombarded with a whirlwind of options and opportunities. Our society is in a perpetual state of “chase.” We’re chasing professional success, personal fulfillment, the latest gadgets, the perfect relationships, the right social image, and the list goes on. But the question I want to pose is this: Do people really know what they want?
Let’s unpack this. We’re in a capitalist society that thrives on our wants and desires. Brands, platforms, and corporations make their fortunes by stoking our ambition and restlessness. They sell us the narrative that more is always better, and that happiness and satisfaction are just one purchase or one achievement away. The issue? We’re all in this mad dash, chasing after what we’re told we should want, without taking a step back to question what we actually want.
Is that promotion you’re working 80 hours a week for truly what you desire, or is it the societal pressure to be more, earn more, that’s driving you? Is that latest iPhone you’ve been eyeing necessary, or is it the tech industry’s clever marketing making you feel your current model is outdated?
And the chase isn’t just limited to material possessions or professional success. We’re also made to chase idealized versions of ourselves. Thanks to the curated lives on social media, we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others, striving to match their seemingly perfect lives, and falling prey to what I like to call “comparative dissatisfaction.”
The consequences of this relentless chasing can be brutal. Burnout, anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of dissatisfaction have become the norm rather than the exception. We’re more “connected” than ever, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. We’re richer, but not happier. We’re busier, but not more fulfilled.
The antidote? It’s time we hit the pause button. We need to critically analyze our wants and desires. Ask yourself: Is this what I truly want or is this what I’ve been conditioned to want? Do I want this because it brings me joy, purpose, and fulfillment, or am I chasing it because society deems it important?
We need to shift from a culture of relentless chasing to one of thoughtful seeking. We need to detach our self-worth from external validation and focus more on internal fulfillment. It’s time we reclaim our lives from the grasp of consumerism and societal expectations, and redefine success on our own terms. Remember, you don’t have to chase anything to prove your worth. You’re already enough, just as you are.
