5 Ways Your High Standards Could Be Costing You
- May 4, 2023
- 3 min read
Written by: Dan Lawson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Having high standards is hard. The pressure to perform at an elite level can be overwhelming, but it's something that many high-achievers feel they must do in order to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Unfortunately, this drive for perfection often comes at a price. Here are some of the ways that having high standards can be difficult:
1. Constant disappointment in others
When you hold yourself to a high standard, it's only natural to expect the same level of performance from others. However, this can lead to disappointment when others don't meet your expectations. It's easy to feel let down by those around you when you're used to doing things a certain way and others can't seem to live up to your standards. This can create a feeling of isolation and can strain relationships.
2. High levels of self-induced stress
Maintaining a high level of performance is a lot of work, and it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. High achievers often put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This stress can also spill over into other areas of your life, causing tension and conflict in personal relationships.
3. Missing out on enjoying the moment
When you're always striving for perfection, it can be difficult to appreciate the present moment. High achievers are often so focused on achieving their goals that they forget to enjoy the journey. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness, even when you've achieved success. It's important to take time to celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy the process of achieving your goals.
4. Strained personal relationships
Maintaining high standards can also strain personal relationships. You may be so focused on your own goals that you neglect the needs of those around you. This can lead to feelings of resentment and isolation. It's important to find a balance between your personal and professional goals and your relationships with others.
5. Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common trait among high achievers, and it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it can drive you to achieve great things. On the other hand, it can be paralysing. Perfectionists often have a hard time starting new projects or taking risks because they're afraid of failure. This can lead to missed opportunities and a feeling of being stuck.
In conclusion, having high standards can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can drive you to achieve great things, it can also take a toll on your mental and physical health, strain personal relationships, and lead to disappointment and feelings of isolation.
It's important to find a balance between striving for excellence and enjoying the present moment. By doing so, you can achieve great things without sacrificing your well-being or personal relationships.
How else do your over-achieving standards come at a high price for you in your life?
Dan Lawson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
I deeply care about who you truly are. Who you are, deep within. The you that is craving to be seen, that has be lock away and protected from the world for so long. The you that is ready to express all of who you are.
Allowing the parts of you have a voice for them to be heard through my training in Meta Dynamics, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a wonderful process in helping you to rediscover and reconnect with you again.
With this space that we create, I support you in using this version of self as a canvas to create the career, the business, the relationships, the family, the reality you deeply love and cherish.
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