What is Paradise Syndrome and Why Should We Be Aware Of It?

You’ve heard of burnout; ‘the state of being stressed and overwhelmed whilst meeting constant demands’, but have you ever considered the opposite? A state of focus and motivation so strong that it spills into your weekends and holidays?

There have been studies into Paradise Syndrome for over twenty years and most of us will probably self diagnose ourselves by the end of this article. Why isn’t it spoken about more?

This year has caused us to reevaluate our goals and ambitions. It’s left us scrambling for inspiration and heavily reliant on our own mindset. We have been inundated with ‘multiple income streams’ stories from people making thousands from their bedrooms. We have been left with the irony of more time causing an even more intense race to productivity.

Human beings have an inherent tendency to find meaning, a purposeful life. I struggle to leave my laptop alone after 5 pm. Its potential lingers and tempts me in my peripherals. During this year especially, I have grown even more attached to it. It is my window to the world and every minute not spent looking through it is an opportunity for progress missed — Paradise Syndrome.

Paradise Syndrome: What is It?

You may recognize this phrase as an episode of Star Trek, but in Psychology, it is much more than that. It is common with people, “who assign great value to their career and although achieving much, do not feel satisfied”. It is often applied to individuals of great wealth and success who feel they no longer have anything left to accomplish.

In Psychology, Lecturer Dr. Yong Wah, says Paradise Syndrome reflects a “narcissistic era causing us to constantly readjust our benchmarks — too much is never enough”. People with high expectations will never be satisfied as their goalposts forever change.

Coffee shops are a great Capitalist example of this. A place once used for a time of leisure with friends over some quality java has turned into a gallery of screens and blank stares. We are all so focused on doing that we are forgetting how to be.

The next time that you achieve something — however small, take time to relish the moment.

Do not disregard an achievement by moving onto the next. Treat yourself to a gift, give yourself a day off, or allow three hours to binge-watch your favourite trash TV. Reward yourself with rest or reward yourself with blissful, guilt-free time — whichever way you thrive.

Allow yourself to spend time being ‘unproductive’ in the traditional sense. Rather than coming out of a long and strenuous climb exhausted, put your best foot forward to be the most invigorated you can be for the next.

Who Suffers from It?

Author of ‘I Am Grateful For Life’, Kim Serafini says that “It exists for people who are really into ego and doing rather than being”. Our society has put an intense emphasis on ‘the doing’ because of its tangible results. On the other hand, meditation and calming practices have become increasingly popular to counter that productivity and declare the importance of ‘being’.

Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard believed that levels of consciousness were also particularly related. He stated that “with every increase in the degree of consciousness, the more intense the despair.” Perhaps, this is the classic tale of; ignorance is bliss. A problem for the privileged.

It is well known that workaholics and perfectionists tend to have a much harder time relaxing than others. When there are no new challenges to overcome, they tend to feel mental and emotional dissatisfaction.

It isn’t difficult to identify these characteristics within ourselves and others. Especially, if you live in a fast-paced metropolitan city. It’s addictive in nature and we inherently chase the life and energy that we’re surrounded by.

Ensure that you reflect on the purpose of the time and effort that you invest in. Ask yourself questions to deepen your own understanding behind the intentions of the work that you do and the goals that you have.

Why are you doing this? What are you trying to achieve? Who will benefit? Meditation is a great way to reflect on these things. Once connections are made between your intentions and efforts, you will be able to feel and not just see the incredible impact that your work has done. A real sense of satisfaction, before you get caught up in the whirlwind of beginning a new task.

Try doing a ten-minute mediation daily. This doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in a cross-legged position and imitating a yogi. You can purchase a bullet journal or download a free online template that you can fill out each morning to reflect on your goals and intentions for the day. Letting these hopes and ambitions really land allows us to know how to prioritize our time better.

Leisure Sickness

In the past, Paradise Syndrome has been discussed in relation to Leisure Sickness. It is a psychological condition where workaholics are more likely to report feeling ill during weekends and holidays than when working.

This phrase was coined by Dutch psychologist, Ad Vingerhoets. According to his research, 3% of the population experiences an "inability to transition from the work to the non-work environment, with a high need for achievement". He found symptoms to include headaches, fatigue, muscular pains, and the flu.

Leisure Sickness produces medical results to a mind that is unable to relax due to the consequences of Paradise Syndrome. For those with high expectations of themselves, this highly-strung motivation is what allows them to produce a maximum amount of work. However, it is when this determination runs over-time that it becomes dangerous. When it leaks into the joys of being human.

We must rid ourselves of the guilt of ill-health and exhaustion.

When we put this insurmountable pressure on ourselves to be ‘ON’ all of the time, we must expect the effects it will have on our minds and bodies. Instead of pushing through exhaustion and physical pain, we need to learn to listen.

Taking the time off that our body really needs at the time that it really needs it — without forcing a delay (to the weekend or a holiday), allows you to be unapologetically present. When we give ourselves this permission we become more in tune with our progress as well as our successes.

It also means that when we are supposed to be enjoying time with family, we can do just that. You and those closest do not deserve the repercussions of the abuse that your body and mind are put through during the working week.

Contemporary Examples

Consider, the ’27 Club’. The endless list of celebrities that ‘make it’ in their short lives to later fall prey to accomplishment. Their lives defining Paradise Syndrome; “suffering a feeling of dissatisfaction despite having achieved all their dreams”.

Paris Hilton’s quest to make a billion dollars is a great example. In her new documentary: ‘This is Paris’, she sits on the carpet of her jewelry closet and speaks about her drive to make more money.

“When I was a teenager, all I wanted to do was make $100 million, and when I would do that I’d be happy. Then once you achieve your goal, you just want to keep going… and then I’ll be happy”.

As an audience, we see her glamourous life before us and simultaneously witness her desperation for more. We recognize her spoilt delusion yet fail to see our own. Perhaps, on a smaller scale, many of us are doing the same?

Make a list of past achievements.

Consider the things that you now have that you once dreamed of. Did you miss celebrations that should have occurred? Analyse why you would want more? What is it that you’re still longing for?

Acknowledge your own persistence and commitment for you to have the things that you already do. Identify the bursts of happiness that you have potentially missed. Once you recognise how much you have already achieved, you can healthily fuel yourself with new motivation for the future.

3 Types of Paradise Syndrome

(According to ExploringYourMind)

1. Introjective

Mental health issues, like withdrawal, anxiety, and depression, may occur when we realize that we failed to achieve a utopian goal. When the goal is ‘paradise’, pursuing it is nothing but a delusion. When we are unable to accomplish it, we blame ourselves for our perceived incompetence.

Solution: When we identify with Introjective Paradise Syndrome, it can be incredibly unhealthy and even lead to suicidal behavior.

We must put effort into reminding ourselves and those around us about the significance of even the smallest of achievements. Seeing success in others is not only inspiring but ensures that we are kinder to ourselves too. Daily reflections greatly aid those with Introjective Paradise Syndrome.

2. Harmless

This type possesses a particular appeal. The enjoyment of the process of achieving a goal rather than the actual achievement. A pleasant delay towards a utopian objective. Poets such as Constantine Kavafis described this attitude in the aphorism; “It’s better to travel full of hope than to reach port”.

Solution: Although the least detrimental, it usually stems from a point of anxiety and uncertainty about the future.

Creating a plan is particularly efficient as it prevents looming thoughts of an end to a current project. Instead, bringing our awareness to forthcoming achievements. List down the exciting rewards waiting on the other side of your latest goal along with prospective ideas that’ll help begin your next.

3. Projective

Most of us have our own version of the truth based on how we see the world. Although sharing our views isn’t necessarily bad, we also need to be open towards accepting others’ truths. When a projective person is incapable of convincing others of their ideas, they become spiteful and resentful.

Solution: A projective person should focus on thriving in that they have discovered the most efficient way of living for themselves.

Of course, ‘sharing is caring’ but rather than convincing those around you of the effectiveness of your lifestyle, allow your energy to present that to them. It isn’t your burden to bear.

Conclusion

It can be a scary thing; to come to the glorious end of a long road of hope and hard work. Uncertainty is human. However, we must acknowledge the progress which is enabling us to move forward. Appreciate accomplishments as well as the journey. Being mindful can enable us to live in the present moment, express gratitude, and live a happier and more satisfying life.

More often than not, we are the ones who put the pressure on ourselves. I can admit that the hundreds of tasks I set myself daily don’t have a deadline. They are simply the by-product of me holding myself accountable. If we keep ourselves in check, we should ensure that we keep our victories in check also.

We spend more time on the road than at the destination. When joys have been attained, we mustn’t lose passion but continuously reinvent ourselves with new ambitions. After your current upcoming achievement, right around the corner, is another uphill battle waiting. And isn’t that a beautiful thing!

Don’t forget to:

- Never miss an opportunity to reward yourself

- Set your intentions at the beginning of each day

- Take time off work when you need it