The out of control need for perfection leads to uncontrolled mental exhaustion. 

As teenagers we hold ourselves to an extreme standard of accomplishment. But after achieving one goal, naturally we make more.

While it’s great to be driven by something in life, there is a point where the driver needs to park and take a break. If not the car eventually runs out of gas and can result in a collision. A mental collision. Resulting in the driver being stranded with nowhere to go feeling alone, in pain, and exhausted. Why? 

Why hold yourself to an extreme standard of accomplishment. Why put so much pressure and demand on not failing? A failure is just a win in progress, right? Where did this feeling come from? 

Author Jennifer B. Wallace stated that “this never enough feeling is felt everywhere”. Meaning since the beginning of school students have been exposed to the crippling fear of imperfection. That one fear, paves the way for anxiety, fear of disapproval, attention seeking, and more. 

According to the Oxford dictionary the word “perfect” symbolizes “complete without faults or weaknesses”. There is not a single thing on this planet that is complete without imperfections.

Being “perfect” is not perfect. Being controlling over all aspects of one’s life is an uncontrolled war only that person can really end. Failing at one task does not make you a failure. There is no need to drown yourself in exhausting accomplishments. 

We are constantly reminded as teenagers that there is always something else to do, homework, clubs, sports. There will always be something else to drain you. There will alway be something else you can do to make your transcript look more unique. 

However it is crucial to understand your mental limits and you will never be “perfect”in the eyes of others. 

Editor’s note: This is a monthly opinion piece featuring takes in and out of the classroom from students at our area high schools. This month’s piece was written by Helix Charter High School student Maya Aguilar-Smith. Top photo by Pixabay.com.