Demystifying Success: What Is Magical Thinking

“Success is never final, failure is never fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Alain de Botton. There is a level of confusion regarding the constant search for status. We believe that we are free on this path and that what we want to achieve is a higher level, identifying “high” as “better.”

In general, there is little freedom in this process, since more than once, the objective is found in reference to ideas or mandates that we had since childhood. But something more complicated and in fact more hidden from our eyes is that this final point we want to reach is neither more nor less than the result of the comparison with others and not, together with others.

What does this mean? That, in reality, this supposed acquisition of achievements that would be giving us a valued social status, is far from being a purpose created by us. Instead, it has been built in relation to what the other is or has, and it is from there that we build our present, our future and, why not, that of our descendants.

Compete against everything

It seems obvious, but we leave aside this point of origin when we rely on reasons that make us compete with others instead of learning from others. This way of looking at life, a result of our modernity, has resulted in the eruption of new pathologies such as generalized anxiety and status anxiety that deeply affect mental health and our emotional well-being.

This article explores the web of factors that contribute to status anxiety, as it has become a pervasive phenomenon in our contemporary society. From peer pressure to unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, each element plays a crucial role in building this anxiety that ultimately shapes our perceptions and decisions, and therefore our bonds.

It is possible to find a relationship between status anxiety and magical thinking. In our search for social validation, we resort to beliefs and practices that could be considered irrational. If we understand the psychological mechanisms that come into play when we face the pressure to stand out in a world obsessed with constant comparison, we can understand the origin of our behaviors and thus honestly decide what our objective is.

What is magical thinking?

Magical thinking refers to the belief or perception that certain events are causally related when, in reality, there is no logical connection between them. This type of thinking often involves attributing supernatural or magical powers to objects, actions or events, and can manifest itself in various forms, such as superstitions, rituals, or beliefs in the influence of occult forces.

Humans tend to resort to magical thinking for different reasons. When the world appears uncertain or threatening, magical thinking can provide a sense of control by making people feel like they have influence over events that might otherwise seem random or uncontrollable.

Due to stress and uncertainty, these types of thoughts can give us an apparent and temporary calm that disappears as soon as we set our feet back on reality. It also allows us to find a temporary explanation for the unknown or for that which brought us so much pain such as the death of someone we love, in this way we obtain a lost quantum of hope that is so necessary for life in those moments of desolation. Shared beliefs in superstitions or rituals can strengthen group cohesion and provide a sense of belonging and thus calm some of the intense pain.

Importantly, magical thinking is not limited to specific cultures or educational levels; It is an inherent characteristic of human psychology and can manifest itself in different ways in various societies and contexts. Although it may offer certain psychological benefits, it is also essential to balance these beliefs with critical thinking and an informed understanding of reality to make informed decisions.

Piaget said that magical thinking is a natural part of preoperational thinking, which occurs approximately between 2 and 7 years of age, according to his theory of cognitive development. In the preoperational stage, children have not yet fully developed the ability to think logically and concretely. Instead, they tend to base their understanding of the world on immediate perception and intuitive logic. Magical thinking manifests itself in children’s tendency to believe in improbable causal connections, attribute intentions to inanimate objects, and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy.

The anguish of comparing ourselves

The concrete thing is that magical thinking is related to the management of anxiety. It is important to note that although magical thinking may provide some temporary relief, it does not address the underlying roots of distress.

Alain de Botton, a Swiss-British philosopher and writer, has addressed issues related to social pressure, comparison with others, and the search for meaning and satisfaction in life. His book “Status Anxiety” explores how contemporary society is obsessed with status and how status anxiety can affect our lives and decisions. Examines how comparisons with others, especially in terms of achievements and material possessions, can lead to anxiety.

Digital platforms often lead us to compare ourselves to others in ways that can be detrimental to our self-esteem and emotional well-being. It is at this point that magical thinking and the selective presentation of life on social media can create a distorted sense of reality as magical thinking.

Is magical thinking OCD or schizophrenia?

Magical thinking is a cognitive phenomenon that involves attributing disproportionate significance to one’s thoughts, often associating them with unrelated events or outcomes. While it can be observed in various mental health conditions, it is not exclusive to any specific disorder. In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), individuals may engage in magical thinking as a coping mechanism to alleviate anxiety or prevent perceived harm. On the other hand, schizophrenia is characterized by disruptions in thought processes, leading to hallucinations and delusions. While magical thinking may be present in schizophrenia, it is just one aspect of the complex symptomatology. Both disorders have distinct features, and diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation by mental health professionals.

What personality disorder is magical thinking?

Magical thinking is a cognitive distortion associated with various personality disorders, notably Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It involves unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability to influence events or outcomes through thoughts alone, often defying logic. Individuals with this cognitive pattern may believe in their own special powers, connections to supernatural forces, or the ability to control external events. This distorted thinking can lead to difficulties in relationships and a disconnect from reality. In the context of personality disorders, magical thinking may serve as a defense mechanism, providing a sense of control or escape from emotional turmoil. Addressing and challenging such beliefs is crucial in therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions

The pursuit of happiness should not be based on external comparisons, but on understanding and pursuing our true needs and values. Highlighting the dangers of status anxiety and advocating for more authentic, development-focused approaches to finding satisfaction and meaning in life seems like a way out of this race that we don’t know why or with whom.

Understanding that the best challenge is the one that leads us from within can be one of the solutions to many mental and physical pathologies, reflecting that the best way to overcome it is the one we try with ourselves should be an everyday task.