Phrases like “getting framemogged by an ASU frat leader” and “looksmaxxing” may be gibberish to the general population, but to others, these terms refer to a methodology of self-transformation that champions self-image, believing that perfecting your looks will improve your life. However, changing one’s life requires gradual, holistic change beyond a perfect appearance.

Before breaking down the issues with obsessing over looks, it’s important to understand why individuals would be driven to pursue perfection. For many, it stems from dissatisfaction with their lifestyle.

“(People are dissatisfied) because they’re not as happy as they thought they’d be,” said psychology professor emeritus James Pennebaker. “This is a really common issue.”

Furthermore, how people can effectively change their situation may seem unclear. 

“There’s a major financial literacy crisis, a major fitness crisis, and a major emotional wellness crisis,” said Joshua Fleishman, founder and president of the Self Betterment Club. 

Helplessness can drive many to extreme methods of self-transformation, believing that their physical appearance is the source of their unhappiness. 

Current influencers may not be the most reliable mentors for self-improvement, more focused on monetary gains. When I reached out to “looksmaxxing” influencer Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, about his program, he asked me, “How much specifically do you have set aside to invest in your ascension right now?”

Furthermore, focusing on appearance is an unsustainable way of raising self-esteem. 

“If you feel … that you don’t look as beautiful as you’d like, you’re a failure, and you start to hate yourself, and you get into this circular shame spiral,” said Pennebaker. “(It’s) not a very efficient psychological strategy for a happy life.”

Recognizing that lifestyle changes are gradual processes will create a healthy and realistic mindset.  

“Something we emphasize in Self-Betterment Club is the difference between being active and being passive in our changes,” said business freshman Fleishman. “It’s really about applying (what you learn) to your daily life and having these small changes that go a long way.”

It’s important to reflect on our goals and decide which to prioritize.

“It’s about trying to set yourself up for success, and really identifying what’s the most important thing to you right now and focus on that first,” said Adrienne MacKenzie, associate director of Fitness and Wellness at UT RecSports.

Having productive methods of organizing our goals can also support this process.

“I think for some people, it’s journaling and writing out things, it’s talking to someone, talking to friends, talking to a parent, talking to a mentor in their life, some seek health coaches or counseling,” said MacKenzie. “I think it just depends on the person, what kind of support they need.”

It is critical to understand the internal motives for pursuing this change. There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your physical health or your situation, but it’s essential to know your motivation behind this pursuit. An eagerness to improve your career and habits can come from a healthy place. Conversely, an obsession with perfecting the way you look can stem from insecurity.

“It’s critically important to be loved and appreciated by others, and at some point you’re saying ‘the secret is that I have to look better,’” said Pennebaker. “Very often you’re trying to be loved by the other beautiful person or the beautiful, smart people, (but) that’s a tough way to live a life.”

To properly resolve the dissatisfaction we have with ourselves, we must first reflect on what we want. Take the time to understand your insecurities and create goals from there. Self-betterment is not about chiseling your jawline, but understanding what you need and enjoying the journey from there.

Stark is a chemical engineering freshman from Orange County, California.