The pursuit of unattainable goals

Abstract

Liminality is a sociological construct that describes the process of identity transitions and group assimilations that occurs over time as a function of rites of passages. Liminal Commitment Theory (LCT) represents an extension of an analysis of the psychological factors that motivated people to search over a decade for a bronze treasure chest hidden in the Rocky Mountains. LCT postulates that many seductive factors that motivate treasure hunting generalize to other equally “unattainable” goal pursuits. Unattainability in this theory is defined by the goal’s distal nature and markedly low public or personal estimate of achievability. The aspiration may be viewed as laudable or unsettling, and outcomes can vary from monumental achievements to utter hardship. A central tenet of the theory is that meaningful long-term commitments occur in a stepwise leveling process with transitions through serial impasses into increasingly sophisticated plateaus of competence. LCT examines the psychological needs, traits, and environmental contingencies that compel people to pursue lofty objectives. The Fenn treasure hunt was relied upon to illustrate how LCT principles might account for audacious goal pursuits.