The Hidden Goals Behind Our Actions: A Courageous Perspective

Last fall, I read The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga—a book that introduced me to Adlerian psychology in a way that felt both challenging and deeply liberating.

One of its central ideas has stuck with me: the concept of teleology—that our behavior is not shaped by our past, but rather by the goals we set for ourselves in the present. Unlike traditional Freudian psychology, which focuses on causality and the weight of past experiences, Adlerian thought proposes something radical: our actions today are goal-oriented and purposeful—even when we do not fully realize it.

This perspective made me reconsider moments when I have stayed in jobs I no longer enjoyed or avoided difficult conversations. It was not necessarily my past that held me back, but rather a present goal—like maintaining stability, avoiding discomfort, or preserving a familiar identity. And once I saw that, I also saw a path forward.

What if lack of motivation, procrastination, or self-doubt are not problems to fix, but clues pointing to hidden goals—like avoiding failure or preserving control?

Understanding the "why" behind our actions can unlock clarity, motivation, and real change. If we are brave enough to ask what purpose our current behavior serves, we might find new freedom in choosing differently.

Your future does not have to be dictated by the past. It can be shaped by the goals you courageously choose today.

Go to blog text: 🌿 https://www.emberhart.com/the-courage-to-see-the-goal-behind-your-actions/

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