I set pretty high standards and expectations for myself, usually trying to set the bar high for my goals. I'm luckily not as obsessed with it as I used to, up to the point where I'd rather just retreat in my shell and start collapsing when the going gets very rough and I don't meet the expectation that I set. These days, striving for high achievement (and perfect, if possible, school GPA) is what I still do, but I definitely will not overdo myself and take care of my mental health. It should be a priority taken seriously for everyone. Number one priority, even!
I’ve always been exactly the same way and have only recently started realizing how perfectionism has harmed me. It’s good that you’re finding a better balance for yourself at a younger age!
Yeah... Mo-o-o had experienced the lowest point of that strain for perfectionism, and that was in the beginning of 10th grade where my academic grades had pretty much crashed for that year. Just wasn't trying, and was absent a lot. Mo-o-o was definitely biting a lot mo-o-ore than he could chew, but yet was too stubborn at first to lay back and take things easier. Big mistake. But luckily, it was also the same year that Mo-o-o had joined the Gang of Five and had already made quite amazing, loving Mu-u-ud Bro-o-others that helped support me during those times. <3 <3
I've vowed since then to try and prioritize my mental health first, even when Mo-o-o wants to strive for the highest far reaches of the stars. Well, to be fair, Mo-o-o still tends to do-o-o that, but at least the fishy is mo-o-ore self aware of his limits and when to take it easy.
I hope yo-o-ou can also find it in yourself to sometimes take a step back and take it easy mo-o-ore as well, Mu-u-u-ud Bro-o-other!!!
It's such a big relief when you let go such feelings of perfectionism, realizing that it is okay to make mistakes, and it is in those mistakes that you can learn and grow as an individual from them. Plus, it's nice to share those mistakes to hopefully let others learn from them and not have to learn the hard way themselves!
