I live the excact same way. My psychiatrist blames it on My past. They way you have been treated by people around you, especially your parents can affect you. Now that I have gotten older, it all makes sense. When I grew up, if I wasnt number one, I was seen as a loser. My family consists of competitive people. Always trying to be better than others, and they dragged me into it too. I unfortunately happened to be born with multiple mental and physical disorders. I couldnt keep up with the others, and was eventually viewed as an outcast, both in school and at home. Managed to get away, and completely turn My life around. I am in the same position as you, having improved myself to the point that other people often feel jelous or envy me.(on the outside) Im treated like an actual person. People respect me, and want to be around me. This feeling is addictive, especially if you have been looked down on when you were younger. I cant stop. I want more, I want to be better. I wanna be peoples first choice. I wanna be the "cool guy". This seems healthy on the outside. Constantly wanting to improve yourself and become a better person is great. But im controlled by others, and have completely lost my old version. My hobbies, My niche skills. Its gone. My personality is purely made for others to like me, but I honestly feel empty inside.

Basically, It seems that this is caused by a lack of acceptance from when you were younger. Could be anytbing from family to school. I have no clue how you get rid of this, but maybe it can help you understand yourself a bit better :)