Deconstructing Self-Actualization (Part III) – Delusion: seeing through the tough times

Consistently achieving goals means having a wholehearted belief and, on occasion, some delusion. Delusion is what separates the artist from the painter, what drove Vincent van Gogh to continue painting even though he only lived to see the sale of one of his paintings (The Red Vineyards near Arles, 1888). 

Most people do not fully pursue their goals because of fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of the process. Technological advancement came with a cost–our desire to dream has demised as we have conformed to the culture of instant gratification.

The fear of failure and enduring the process changed our perception of success and even remodeled the way we describe those who dream. Ascribing adjectives to characterize their ambition, recounting it either as genius or neurotic; depending on the outcome (of course). Regardless of our preconceived notions, being delusional can be used to persevere in the light of conflict.

Alfred Korzybski, a philosopher and scientist, stated that our perceptions shape our reality (“The map is not the territory”). This conviction, which we call delusion, is what motivates entrepreneurs to take massive action in concretizing a goal. Hence our commitment to a dream can become a reality insofar that we are delusional in taking small consistent action that compound into a journey.

Assume there will be setbacks and naysayers when pursuing your goals. A vast majority of our society simply exists and never lives to dream as they have surrendered to the easy way out, the way that reaps minimal risks, which manifest little rewards. We need to change this and start living with passion.

In sum, being delusional in pursuing our goals will allow us to prevail when faced with the emotional barriers that most cave to. Although we stated the importance of being convict in our ideas, we mustn’t forget to be flexible as the greatest opportunities can potentially surface from our perceived misfortunes. It is in those trying moments which we can change the map and allow our creative genius to assist us in materializing our greatest endeavors.