Self improvement can be such an important desire.
It's an impulse that says "something is wrong here; we need to change." I know for me, this impulse to improve my self — my experience — has led me wondrous places and very much feels a part of my dharma, my life path.
Though it can also be a way to (attempt to) escape reality — what's actual happening, here and now.
By trying to get somewhere more improved, we don't feel the wise and important sting, perhaps, of what's here.
Have you noticed?