PERFECTIONISM AND “DOING YOUR BEST”

There is within most people the desire to do things perfectly. We set our aim to do whatever we are doing flawlessly. We want to do our very best so that there are no mistakes and so that we attain whatever it is that we have set our aim on—to win the game, to get an “A,” to succeed in the report writing, finishing the project, being the best at what we do, etc. That desire is understandable; it is human; and it is commendable. It describes a highly motivated, high achiever, who is willing to push oneself, strive for excellence, and not sell oneself short.