The illusion of prestige is a state in which a person lives in an imaginary world in their mind or presents an exaggerated or unrealistic image of themselves.
What is the Illusion of Prestige?
The illusion of prestige is a state in which a person lives in an imaginary world in their mind or presents an exaggerated or unrealistic image of themselves. For example, when a new student enrols in the "College of Aviation Sciences," and relatives and friends start calling them "the pilot," this person may experience an illusion of prestige, believing that they are indeed a "pilot." In reality, they are still in their first year of college and do not even know the basics of aviation. Therefore, they can negatively affect people without awareness, as they have gained a higher social value than their current worth. Suppose the reason for studying is to be referred to as a "pilot" in their social circle. In that case, they have already achieved this title, and there may need to be a stronger incentive to continue working hard, studying, and achieving excellent results. This illusion can manifest in various forms, and in this context, we will explore this emotional state and how to overcome it to achieve balance in our successes.
Media personality and program host, Mr. Mohamed Al-Mousa, spoke at an event about the "Illusion of Prestige" syndrome and the danger of this phenomenon, which has been spreading recently with the proliferation of social media channels. Society tends to highlight personal achievements, magnifying small accomplishments into giant successes. He discussed signs that indicate if someone is affected by the illusion of prestige, some of which have been excerpted here:
Obsession with Titles
This psychological condition involves excessive interest or extreme preoccupation with obtaining social titles or using high-ranking titles to express personal identity or improve self-image in the social sphere. This obsession can include a continuous pursuit of titles regardless of their true value, whether academic, social, professional, or others such as "Doctor, Engineer, Pilot," and more. Using titles is generally commendable as it places a person in the social status they deserve; when obtaining these titles becomes an obsession, it could be a sign of the illusion of prestige. In this case, the person is not concerned about how they earned the title but primarily focuses on society giving them this nickname.
Exaggeration
Exaggeration means excessive use or inflation in describing something, magnifying its size or true value. It aims to achieve a specific impact or attract the attention of others. Exaggeration can be a way to express or signal importance, pride, appreciation, or even humour. It can signify that a person is affected by the "illusion of prestige" since they prefer not to write or speak about achievements as they are but rather add excitement, exaggeration, and storytelling that is not true in achieving the accomplishment. Accordingly, they gain the attention of others, be the first and the best, and have the highest achievements in their social circles and sometimes even in the region.
Diminishing Others
Diminishing others is a behavior or pattern that involves presenting others negatively and minimizing their value or importance in various ways. This can be one of the signs that people are affected by the "illusion of prestige" exhibit. They believe that no one can be better than them or even surpass them. They also do not prefer to compliment others or praise them. This behavior can manifest in speech, side conversations, actions, or even internal thinking, where they feel a sense of jealousy and envy.
How to Celebrate Our Achievements in a Healthy Way?
Celebrate your achievements quietly and modestly; you don't need extravagant media coverage or even massive announcements to promote your achievement. Consider this celebration part of your personal journey and enjoy it yourself. Be proud of yourself for accomplishing this success and share it with others. Simply and straightforwardly express your feelings and experiences, and be confident that success does not stop at this point. There is always room for improvement, development, and growth.
Success is a long journey that does not end with simple achievements. Since it is a continuous journey, not a destination, you always need constant support from people around you. These are individuals you can consult and ask for advice, people capable of expressing their opinions without fear or hesitation because they genuinely want to see you in the best positions and highest social ranks. These people have contributed, and you can remember their favor every time you achieve success, thanking everyone who has helped you and each person who has made an impact on your professional path or even your personal life.
Joy and happiness multiply when we share our achievements with those we love and who genuinely care about us. You can also share your accomplishments with those around you, telling them about your experience and how you achieved it. However, keep in mind the first point: humility and the realization that this achievement is just a stage in the journey. Acknowledge that praise and admiration received from others are momentary, and you must continue to strive for excellence and renew your ambitions and dreams to achieve more.
In conclusion, try to find this balance between gratitude and pride in your real successes without falling into the illusions that could halt your success chain, and consider your successes as opportunities for improvement and growth to seek more.
