The World’s Best Golfer Just Said Success Can’t Fulfill the ‘Deepest Wants and Desires of Your Heart.’ Science Says He’s Right
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, recently made a profound statement that has resonated far beyond the golf course. Despite his unparalleled success, Scheffler shared that professional achievements and external rewards—even at the highest level—cannot satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart. His remarks, highlighted in an article by Inc. Magazine’s Jeff Haden, have sparked a broader conversation about the limits of success in providing true fulfillment.
Scheffler’s comments emphasize that his sense of purpose and identity stem not from his dominance in golf or his status as the best in the world. Instead, he finds meaning in aspects of life beyond success and recognition. This perspective aligns with scientific research on human motivation and happiness, which suggests that external rewards like money, prestige, and accolades—what psychologists call extrinsic rewards—offer only temporary satisfaction.
Jeff Haden frames Scheffler’s insights within the psychological distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Extrinsic rewards are the tangible payoffs many people strive for, such as wealth or fame. Intrinsic rewards, on the other hand, are deeper and more personal, encompassing feelings of fulfillment, self-worth, and satisfaction that aren’t dependent on external validation. While it may seem logical to assume that hard work and success lead to lasting happiness, the science tells a different story.
Research reveals that the happiness we derive from achieving goals, even significant ones, is often fleeting. This phenomenon is known as the hedonic treadmill, where people eventually return to their baseline level of happiness after the initial excitement of an accomplishment fades. Psychological studies further support Scheffler’s point: success may bring temporary joy, but it cannot fulfill our emotional or existential needs in a lasting way.
The process of striving for something—trying, learning, and growing—often proves more rewarding than the achievement itself. This is why individuals who build their identities around achieving goals may feel empty or lost once they’ve reached them, unless they have other sources of meaning in their lives. Scheffler’s attitude reflects this understanding, as he appears to prioritize personal growth and purpose over external validation.
Haden also connects Scheffler’s mindset to the psychological concept of a growth mindset, where individuals focus on development, effort, and resilience rather than fixed outcomes. This approach allows people to find satisfaction in the journey itself, rather than waiting for the end result. It also helps them cope better with setbacks, as fulfillment shifts from winning to the act of striving.
Both Scheffler’s remarks and the scientific evidence underscore a timeless truth: lasting fulfillment comes not from professional achievements or material success, but from purpose, relationships, and intrinsic motivation. While working toward goals is undeniably valuable, relying on achievement alone to bring enduring happiness is ultimately unfulfilling. True satisfaction, as Scheffler and the science suggest, lies in embracing challenges, growing through effort, and finding value beyond measurable success.
Why Intrinsic Rewards Matter More Than You Think
Scottie Scheffler’s perspective on the limitations of success aligns closely with psychological research on intrinsic motivation. While extrinsic rewards like fame, wealth, and accolades can drive short-term effort, they often fail to deliver long-term fulfillment. This is because intrinsic rewards—such as personal growth, a sense of purpose, and meaningful relationships—are more closely tied to lasting happiness and self-worth.
One key takeaway from Scheffler’s remarks is the importance of distinguishing between achievement and fulfillment. While achieving goals can provide temporary satisfaction, it’s the process of striving—learning, overcoming challenges, and growing as a person—that often brings deeper and more lasting fulfillment. This is why many people who achieve great success, even at the highest levels, still feel unfulfilled. Without a sense of purpose or intrinsic motivation, external validation alone cannot satisfy the human heart’s deepest desires.
The concept of the hedonic treadmill further explains why success alone is insufficient for long-term happiness. Research shows that people tend to return to their baseline level of happiness after achieving a goal, no matter how significant. This is because the brain adapts to new circumstances, and what once brought excitement eventually becomes the norm. For example, winning a major championship or earning a lucrative contract may feel exhilarating at first, but the excitement fades, leaving individuals searching for the next achievement to feel happy again.
This psychological phenomenon underscores the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. When people cultivate a growth mindset, they learn to find satisfaction in the process of striving, rather than waiting for the end result. This mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes effort, resilience, and personal development over fixed outcomes. By embracing challenges and viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow, individuals can find fulfillment even when external rewards are lacking.
Scheffler’s emphasis on purpose and identity beyond professional success also highlights the role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining happiness. When individuals define themselves solely by their achievements, they risk losing their sense of self once those achievements are attained. In contrast, building a life around intrinsic values—such as relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose—provides a more stable foundation for lasting fulfillment.
Jeff Haden’s article also explores how this mindset can be applied in everyday life. For instance, employees who focus on learning and developing new skills tend to be more satisfied with their jobs than those who are primarily motivated by promotions or bonuses. Similarly, entrepreneurs who pursue passions driven by intrinsic motivation often report higher levels of fulfillment, even when external rewards are scarce.
In conclusion, Scheffler’s insights, combined with psychological research, offer a powerful reminder that true fulfillment is not found in external validation or professional achievements alone. While success can bring temporary joy, it’s the intrinsic rewards—purpose, relationships, and personal growth—that ultimately satisfy the deepest wants and desires of the human heart.
Conclusion
Scottie Scheffler’s heartfelt insights, supported by psychological research, remind us that true fulfillment cannot be found solely in professional success or external validation. While achievements may bring temporary joy, it is the pursuit of intrinsic rewards—such as personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose—that truly satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart. Embracing a growth mindset and focusing on the journey rather than the destination can lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment.
By understanding the limitations of extrinsic rewards and the importance of intrinsic motivation, we can redefine what success means to us. It’s not about reaching a destination but about the continuous process of striving, learning, and growing. Scheffler’s perspective, combined with scientific evidence, encourages us to look beyond external validation and cultivate a life rooted in purpose and intrinsic values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic rewards?
Extrinsic rewards are external motivators like money, fame, or accolades, while intrinsic rewards are personal, such as a sense of purpose, fulfillment, or self-worth.
What is the hedonic treadmill?
The hedonic treadmill is a psychological phenomenon where people return to their baseline level of happiness after the initial excitement of an achievement fades, requiring constant new goals to maintain happiness.
How can I focus more on intrinsic rewards in my life?
Focus on personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. Cultivate a growth mindset by embracing challenges and finding satisfaction in the process of striving rather than just the outcome.
What role does a growth mindset play in fulfillment?
A growth mindset emphasizes effort, resilience, and personal development over fixed outcomes. It helps individuals find satisfaction in the journey and cope better with setbacks, leading to lasting fulfillment.
How can I apply these principles in my daily life?
Focus on learning, developing new skills, and pursuing passions driven by intrinsic motivation. Define success based on personal growth, relationships, and purpose rather than external validation alone.