Everyone who has every struggled with a little OCD or the need to be perfect in everything they do is going to relate to this post. Me most of all!

Growing up I always felt like I had to be the best at everything. Good grades only caused me to strive for better grades. Awards only caused me to work for more awards. Being second was never good enough as first was the only option. As I have grown, some of that stays with me to a degree, but I have learned to let some of those self requirements (ok maybe a little bit) go. What is it inside of us that drives us to be like that?

When you look at people in general you see all types of personalities. There are those that are completely satisfied with the status quo and have no desire to rise above the fray. There is nothing wrong with that. Then, there are those, the “Type A’s”, that need to be in control and have to spend every waking minute making sure that everything is perfect. There is nothing wrong with that. There are others at the other end of the spectrum that just don’t care at all and take each day as it comes. They believe that whatever happens, happens. There is nothing wrong with that.

We all choose to live our lives in a way that fits us. When we have behavior that is being detrimental to our well being, we hopefully make adjustments to get ourselves back on course to alleviate some of the pressure that we are placing on ourselves. Failing to do so often results in some unfavorable consequences in terms of our mental or physical health.

It is important to recognize that no one way is the correct way. As long as we are managing the way that fits us and our personalities and making those adjustments that keep our life healthy and balanced, while being true to who we are, then that is all we can ask of ourselves. Do I wish I could relax more and strive less? Sometimes I do. However, I also know without that drive I would not be where I am or have what I have today. What I need to focus on is that there is a need sometimes to just stop, relax, let it all go and take a mental and physical break. That is what I struggle with most.

At the end of the day we all want to do our best. It is doing our best that gives us comfort that we are on the right path with our lives. Finding the right balance as we strive for that best is incredibly important to our well being.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron