Striving is essential for a happy life, deeply ingrained in human nature for evolutionary purposes. However, excessive striving can lead to negative outcomes as it may stem from a need to prove worth or perfectionism. The key lies in finding the balance between being a high achiever and an overachiever, ensuring that striving is not pushed past the point of optimality.
How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem?
- RESOURCES:
- "For Happiness in the New Year, Stop Overdoing Everything," by Julia DiGangi (The Wall Street Journal, 2023).
- "Good Enough," by Thomas Curran (Character Lab, 2023).
- The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, by Thomas Curran (2023).
- "Perfectionism Is Not the Secret to Success (and Pursuing It May Guarantee the Opposite)," by Next Big Idea Club (Fast Company, 2023).
- "Zac Efron Rides Again," by Lauren Larson (Men's Health, 2022).
- "Tim Beck’s Final Brainstorms," by Stephen Fried (The Philadelphia Gazette, 2022).
- "Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time: A Meta-Analysis of Birth Cohort Differences From 1989 to 2016," by Thomas Curran and Andrew P. Hill (Psychological Bulletin, 2019).
- "UCLA Senior From Alamo Among 32 Rhodes Scholars," by Steve Rubenstein (SFGate, 2008).