The Challenge of Heroic Individualism

Heroic individualism represents the relentless pursuit of personal success at the expense of well-being, often resulting in burnout and dissatisfaction. Individuals driven by this mindset continuously strive for more achievements, fostering feelings of inadequacy as they move the goalposts of success further away. This cycle of endless striving can lead to severe mental health issues, as exemplified by Stuhlberg's own struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Recognizing this destructive pattern, he advocates for a transition towards a more grounded approach that emphasizes well-being as the foundation for true achievement.