The Cult of Perfection
Making Peace With Your Inner Overachiever
By Cooper Lawrnece (Globe Pequot/Skirt, $24.95)
The overachieving woman approaches all of the activities on her packed calendar with the goal of being her absolute, very best. She may, however, be driving herself, friends and relatives crazy. Here are tips on making overachieving a positive force in your life.
1. The “Absentee Overachiever” is so busy, her family rarely sees her. “Everything around you is in danger of falling apart if you don’t take a closer look at your priorities.”
2. Another type of overachiever pushes her partner to do more with his career even though he’s happy. If you want a six-figure attorney in the family, go to law school yourself.
3. Overachievers judge themselves at impossibly high levels. Before judging friends that way, back off and realize it’s your issue, not theirs.
4. Realize that not every ambition can be achieved, nor can every event be controlled.
5. Are you overachieving to get your parents’ approval? Focus instead on your wants/needs/goals.
