"我们都有不可能达到的高标准"

Let's break it down: everybody sets the bar way too high. We're talking about those unrealistic expectations that we place on ourselves and sometimes on others. We aim for perfection in our jobs, relationships, looks, and even in our hobbies. It's like we're all chasing this ideal version of ourselves that doesn't really exist.

Historically, this kind of thinking isn't new. Think back to the Renaissance, when artists and scholars were expected to be polymaths – masters of many trades. Today, it's no different. Social media bombards us with images of success, beauty, and seemingly perfect lives. It's no wonder we end up feeling like we need to be flawless in every aspect of our lives. Personally, I've seen this in my own life. I remember prepping for a big presentation at work, spending countless hours tweaking slides and practicing my speech to perfection. Was it necessary? Probably not. Did I feel immense pressure to be perfect? Absolutely.

Here's a real-life example: Consider a high school student aiming for Ivy League colleges. They might be involved in numerous extracurricular activities, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and volunteering every weekend. Their calendar is packed, and sleep? Well, that's a luxury. This student pushes themselves to the brink, believing anything less than perfection won't cut it. But is that sustainable? More importantly, is it healthy? Probably not.

So, how do we deal with these sky-high standards? First off, recognize that perfection is a myth—it's not real. Cut yourself some slack. Aim for progress, not perfection. Instead of aiming to be the best at everything, focus on being "good enough." That doesn't mean you should slack off; it means understanding that it's okay to have flaws.

Imagine you're a baker, whipping up a cake for a friend's birthday. You want it to be Instagram-worthy, but baking isn’t your strong suit. You stress over every detail, and by the time you're done, you're exhausted and maybe a bit frustrated. What if, instead, you decided to make a cake that's just tasty? It might not look like a professional confection, but it's made with love—and that's what counts, right?

A relatable scenario: Picture a young professional, Lisa. She's just started her first job and wants to impress her boss. Lisa stays late, takes on extra projects, and never says no. She's trying to be the perfect employee. But her mental health starts to suffer, and her social life? Non-existent. One day, an older colleague notices Lisa's struggle. He pulls her aside and shares his own story of burnout, advising her to set boundaries and prioritize her well-being. Lisa starts delegating tasks and takes time for herself. Sure, she's not the "perfect" employee anymore, but she's happier and more productive.

So, next time you catch yourself reaching for those impossibly high standards, pause. Ask yourself: Is this level of perfection really necessary? Or can you allow yourself to be human, flaws and all? Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. And sometimes, good enough truly is good enough.