Unrelenting Standards
I took a test a while back: Among other things, here is the number one characteristic of my personality that I would need to watch out for.
Unrelenting Standards / Hypercriticalness
The underlying belief that one must strive to meet very high internalized standards of behavior and performance, usually to avoid criticism. Typically results in feelings of pressure or difficulty slowing down; and in hyper-criticalness toward oneself and others. Must involve significant impairment in: pleasure, relaxation, health, self-esteem, sense of accomplishment, or satisfying relationships.Unrelenting standards typically present as: (a) perfectionism, inordinate attention to detail, or an underestimate of how good one’s own performance is relative to the norm; (b) rigid rules and “should’s” in many areas of life, including unrealistically high moral, ethical, cultural, or religious precepts; or (c) preoccupation with time and efficiency, so that more can be accomplished.
I don’t recognize it quite as often as I should; however, Devin assures me that the prognosis is right on the money. Do a little digging and you might be surprised what you find out about yourself. You can’t regulate and fix something that you don’t realize is broken.
