I actually just read an article earlier this week about how all this focus on "self help" and "self optimization" can make us less happy: https://www.gq.com/story/why-self-help-makes-you-less-happy
Your post goes along with that. If we're never satisfied with ourselves, and always striving, how can we ever be content? Yes, as you say, if you really want to improve an area of your life and make a goal and stuff, great! But the norm in society pretty much is "never be content with yourself or your life," and we wonder why we are so unsatisfied.