4 Values ​​that Govern Us, But Make Us Unhappy

Like it or not, we live in a time where human values ​​are no longer so important. Much of the world and our lives revolve around money and power. The logic behind this is causing a lot of resistance, but the values ​​that drive us are still there.

We often assume that the logic of the present world is the only possible logic.  However, this is not true. While the values ​​that govern us are related to production and trade, we can also take a critical look at them and make sure they don’t completely dominate us.

It’s not that the values ​​that govern us aren’t important. They are. However, the problem is that if we assume that these values ​​are the only correct ones, they limit us. This makes us feel upset and dissatisfied.

That is why it is important to identify what these values ​​are and not allow them to invade all areas of our lives. These values ​​drive us, but don’t make us happy.

4 Values ​​That Rule Us But Make Us Unhappy

1. Efficiency

Today’s world demands efficiency. People are constantly talking about the importance of achievement, the need to focus on our goals and successes. There is nothing wrong with that. However, what is not good is to pay too much attention to these ideas. We should not take efficiency to the extreme so that we make our lives revolve around it.

Efficiency is a value that rules us because it helps keep the economy strong. Companies want efficient people because it is more profitable to have an efficient person in their ranks. Efficiency guarantees better work performance and gives you a privileged place in the hierarchy of the company.

However, that does not mean that the most important thing about man is his efficiency. We are not machines and therefore, depending on the circumstances, we are more or less efficient. That doesn’t make us any less valuable.

2. Productivity

Productivity has to do with the concrete results we can generate. A productive person is one who is able to do something in a shorter amount of time than others can.

They in turn get more money or more benefits because of their productivity. A productive person is someone who is “useful”. However, this “utility” is almost always seen as an economic utility.

There are “productive people,” “productive ages” or “useful people.” What we are not talking about is that people are much more than what they produce. We must remember that we are not money machines, or machines to increase other people’s profitability.

Focusing solely on this means that a person’s worth is based on how much money they make or on the quality of their work. If we only focus on these areas of our lives, we will never experience happiness.

3. Quantity

Today’s society is mainly obsessed with quantity. Everything is measured and the word “more” has become a religion for many. Unlimited things are not measured in terms of dreams or goals, but in terms of how much you can produce or accumulate.

We have a good day when we achieve a lot . We have a good year if we achieve a lot . A person’s life is valued when he or she has accomplished many goals.

How relevant is the amount of stuff we have or produce? It’s important for the economy. There quantity becomes a value that controls us.

From a more human perspective, quantity tends to be nothing to quality. Much is being done, much is being accomplished, or much is being built at the expense of the deep sense of satisfaction when we achieve or accomplish something worthwhile.

4. Speed

Speed ​​has become a goal in many areas. It is believed to be “the right thing” or “the most efficient” thing to make everything happen quickly.

The idea is to be able to do more things in less time. Therefore, taking a break or relaxing for 5 minutes makes some people feel anxious. Taking more time to complete a task frustrates them.

Speed ​​is another value that governs us, but does not lead to well-being. As with quantity, speed moves so fast that we feel like we are addicted to our clock. Speed ​​is a good thing, but not if we become obsessed with it.

Those obsessed with speed lose their ability to truly experience every moment. They also find it difficult to understand the meaning and importance of experiencing each step of a process.

While all of these values ​​that govern us are important in today’s world, it is important that we understand their meaning. We should not passively accept them because our culture says they are important.