Confronting Perfectionism with Our Own Gold Standard

Though we may feel pressure to “go for the gold,” the push to execute all our tasks perfectly can rob us of our peace. But a bit of perspective can help keep us grounded—and help us find our own personal “gold.”

Several years ago, as I scrolled through social media, seeing post after post from high school and college classmates celebrating remarkable personal and professional successes—finishing medical school, joining a prestigious law firm, or finishing their custom-built dream home—I was overjoyed for my friends. Compared to their highlight reel, though, my life seemed stuck in neutral.