High expectations and perfectionism, unrealistic or not, may not be just personality traits. They can certainly have positive effects, through helping you achieve your goals, though the alternative effects can leave you feeling dissatisfied when high ideals are not met, or constantly feeling necessarily disappointed by the people around you, creating resentment.
Always seeing the glass half empty will leave you missing the good times, and dwelling on the bad, creating your memories. Feelings of failure when your goals have not been achieved can be overwhelming, or feeling as though others have constantly failed you, can have life altering effects, leading to sadness, anger and anxiety. Being so focused on perfecting the missing piece, you may not be aware of where the emotions are coming from.
Perfectionism, being a high achiever, obsessive compulsiveness, and impulsiveness, are also traits of a genetic disorder known as the MTHFR gene mutation, where folate is not correctly absorbed, and detoxification is interrupted.
Affecting almost half of our population, it results in symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessions and anger. Easily identified and treated, though not often diagnosed, it really shouldn’t be a problem in our society.
Identifying where your emotions are coming from, and knowing life is a journey that is best lived without the expectations from, or for others, may help ease the pressure of your own thoughts. Regaining balance in life by taking the pressure off could be the simplest thing you do.
