Life Dysmorphia: The Next Pandemic

A new phenomenon is emerging: life dysmorphia. While awareness of mental health issues has brought body dysmorphia and gender dysmorphia into focus¹—both distortions of self-perception—life dysmorphia remains largely unexplored.

While we are more comfortable, safe, and materially secure than ever, there is a growing, pervasive sense of dissatisfaction. We have more, but somehow, we feel less. This pandemic of life dysmorphia affects millions. Many, cushioned by comfort, struggle to find presence and meaning in their lives. And yet, the antidote to life dysmorphia might be simpler than we think: gratitude.

Life Dysmorphia and the Hedonic Treadmill

Life dysmorphia is the tendency to undervalue our lives due to what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill². As we adapt to new comforts and accumulate more, our baseline for happiness rises, causing diminishing returns. Today, many of us live lives of unprecedented comfort, but that very comfort blinds us to how fortunate we are. A hot shower, for instance, was an unimaginable luxury just a century ago. Yet, when we stand in our heated bathrooms, we rarely pause to think about this as a marvel…it simply feels normal.

Our growing expectations trap us on a treadmill. Each new comfort quickly becomes the baseline, and we begin yearning for the next improvement. Life dysmorphia blinds us to the wonder of our daily experiences. We quickly adapt to new comforts and soon begin to seek more.

Gratitude as the Mother of Virtues

Gratitude isn’t just a pleasant idea. It’s a transformative virtue that reorients our mindset and reframes how we see our lives³. By practising gratitude, we begin to see our blessings and not only what we lack. When we actively appreciate the small pleasures and privileges, we more readily ground ourselves in the present moment.

This shift requires intentional effort. Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, especially in a society obsessed with more. But by training ourselves to practice gratitude daily, we can learn to appreciate our lives as they are. Gratitude reminds us that what we have now, though ordinary in our eyes, would have been extraordinary to someone 100 years ago.

Happiness, Envy, and the Comparison Trap

One way to measure happiness is by subtracting envy from the quality of life⁴.

Happiness = quality of life – envy.

Unfortunately, the comparison trap is everywhere in modern society. Social media amplifies life dysmorphia by giving us curated glimpses into the best moments of others’ lives. This leads to dangerous comparative thinking, such as “Why don’t I have that?”.

This unending comparison only worsens life dysmorphia, making it harder to feel content. Our attention shifts away from our blessings toward what we think we’re missing. Over time, this habit saps the joy out of our lives.

The Comfort Crisis and Its Impact on Fulfilment

We are also experiencing a comfort crisis⁵. With all our conveniences and comforts, modern life has become accessible in many ways, and that ease may deprive us of fulfilment. A life free of challenges can feel unmoored, lacking the depth that comes from facing and overcoming hardship.

While some hardship is inevitable, most of us live with unprecedented convenience. Our struggles are now less about survival and more about self-fulfilment. We lose satisfaction derived from pushing through difficulty and creating something meaningful. Life dysmorphia thrives in this environment, where our focus shifts toward comfort and away from personal growth.

Building Character through Challenges

A fulfilling life demands challenges. While it’s easy to take the path of least resistance, true satisfaction comes from overcoming obstacles and growing in the process. The journey, not the destination, builds character, resilience, and wisdom. If we continually choose comfort, we sacrifice the opportunity to become stronger and more capable.

To combat life dysmorphia, we must choose to grow rather than seek comfort. Growth is often uncomfortable but enriches our lives in ways that comfort cannot. Embracing challenges, even small, daily ones, can reshape our perspective and build a foundation for true contentment.

Life is a Self-Assignment: Define Your Purpose

Life has become a self-assigned journey. Traditional milestones are no longer prescribed. We must define our purpose and goals. Personal development and growth are no longer handed down through societal rites of passage. They must be sought out and achieved through intentional effort.

Without this sense of purpose, life dysmorphia grows as we drift without meaning or direction. By taking responsibility for our goals and purpose, we can actively combat the feelings of emptiness that often accompany modern life.

Life Dysmorphia and the Power of Sacrifice

One antidote to life dysmorphia is sacrificing present comfort for future growth. This idea echoes age-old wisdom in religion and self-help philosophy: Work hard today to build a better tomorrow. Sacrificing a small pleasure now can yield rewards in the future, whether it’s exercising to build a healthier body or dedicating time to developing a new skill.

Living for a future self doesn’t mean ignoring the present but being intentional about today’s choices to create tomorrow’s rewards. Cultivating this mindset can help us find joy in small daily sacrifices that enrich our lives and build resilience against life dysmorphia.

Practical Steps to Combat Life Dysmorphia

Here are some practical steps you can take to counter life dysmorphia:

Practice Daily Gratitude: Spend a few moments each day reflecting on three things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can reframe your perspective and help you appreciate the small blessings around you.
Mindful Presence in Daily Comforts: Take a moment to savour the conveniences in your life. Whether it’s a warm shower or a favourite meal, practice noticing and appreciating the comfort.
Challenge Yourself Regularly: Embrace small challenges to build resilience. Set goals that push you out of your comfort zone and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Adopt a Tomorrow Mindset: Each day, ask yourself, “What can I do today that my future self will thank me for?” This mindset shift can make daily choices feel like investments in your future.
Limit Comparisons: Cut down on social media or find other ways to avoid excessive comparison. Focusing on your growth journey can bring more contentment and happiness.

TLDR;

Life dysmorphia may seem like a modern curse, but we have the power to address it. By cultivating gratitude, setting challenges, and building toward a meaningful future, we can find fulfilment and rediscover the joy in our everyday lives.

If we reclaim the present, make intentional sacrifices, and resist the allure of the hedonic treadmill, we can find a new kind of happiness rooted not in comfort but in purpose and growth.

Life dysmorphia may be the next pandemic, but with the right mindset, we can overcome it.

References

[NB. All images created using MidJourney]

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