In Adlerian Psychology, *Teleology* (goal orientation) is a central concept for understanding human beings. Adler saw humans not as static, but as constantly *becoming*—changing and growing toward their chosen goals. This article explores the essence of teleology in Adler’s thought and explains how we can apply this powerful perspective to our daily lives.
- 1 Overview of Adler’s Teleology: It’s About Where You’re Going, Not Where You Came From
- 2 Human Behavior Beyond Instinct: Purpose as Social Beings
- 3 Striving Toward an Ideal Self: Fictional Goals
- 4 Understanding Teleology Through Real-Life Examples
- 5 Applying Teleology in Counseling and Therapy
- 6 Conclusion
Overview of Adler’s Teleology: It’s About Where You’re Going, Not Where You Came From
Adler stated: “If we know only where a person came from, we can never understand their actions. But if we know where they are headed, we can express their steps and behavior toward that goal.”
Thus, to truly understand behavior, it’s not enough to analyze the past; we must also consider the goals people are striving toward.
In Adlerian thought, humans are shaped by their pursuit of their "ideal self" and future goals, always moving and evolving rather than remaining fixed.
Human Behavior Beyond Instinct: Purpose as Social Beings
From a biological perspective, all creatures act to survive—seeking food and avoiding danger.
However, Adler emphasized a uniquely human trait: our existence as social beings.
Humans survive and thrive not alone, but within families, communities, societies, and nations. Thus, beyond basic survival, being accepted by society became a critical goal.
Isolation poses significant risks, leading humans to develop a deep desire for connection and recognition.
Seen this way, our everyday actions often reflect hidden goals of belonging and contribution.
Striving Toward an Ideal Self: Fictional Goals
Adlerian Psychology holds that people unconsciously set "fictional goals"—idealized visions of the self.
- “I want to be liked by others.”
- “I want to be respected as competent.”
- “I want to be strong and independent.”
These goals often operate beneath conscious awareness, subtly guiding behavior.
In Adler’s view, our actions are expressions of future-oriented intentions—not mere reactions to the past.
Understanding Teleology Through Real-Life Examples
Take someone who fears public speaking. A cause-based explanation might say, “They were embarrassed before” or “They’re naturally introverted.”
From a teleological perspective, however, we see something different: they may be striving toward the goal of avoiding failure or preserving self-esteem.
Their avoidance is not caused by the past—but chosen for the sake of a future ideal.
This view empowers us to see ourselves not as victims of the past, but as active creators of our future.
Applying Teleology in Counseling and Therapy
Teleology is also a powerful tool in counseling and psychotherapy.
When a client says, “I can’t face going to work,” focusing only on past conflicts may not yield real solutions.
Using a teleological lens, we might ask:
- “What are you trying to protect by avoiding work?”
- “What kind of work environment would truly fulfill you?”
These questions can reveal hidden goals and help clients move toward authentic change.
Conclusion
Adler’s teleology offers a powerful framework for seeing our actions not as “past-driven,” but as expressions of future-directed intention.
This shift allows us to view ourselves and others with greater hope and warmth.
Humans are not bound by their past. We are always striving—always becoming the people we want to be.
In the next chapter, we will dive deeper into another core concept of Adlerian Psychology: the Social Interest Perspective.
*All images used in this article were generated with Midjourney.*
