Numerous times I have been told that I am like the character Bree Van de Kamp in the television series Desperate Housewives. Unfortunately, I cannot agree nor disagree with the comparisons made because I have only managed to watch a single episode of this show. As I understand it, Bree is a perfectionist bordering towards having an obsessive-compulsive disorder. She is always at her prim and proper best, impeccably dressed and poised. Admittedly, I see our similarities as I, like her, pride myself in the careful attention to detail in practically everything. I am against mediocrity. I strongly believe that a person's work reflects their character. And so, it is with higher standards that I conduct most of my affairs in life.
The problem with this attitude though is that people tend to demand a lot more from me. They've seen me consistently deliver great results and recognize what I am capable of. And so they assume I will live-up to their high expectations however unrealistic they may be. But human as we all are, I am too am flawed and falter. I occasionally slow down my pace in the race of which I am made exhausted. I am not always driven to excellence. I sometimes get weary of sustaining the standards I have set for myself. For my own better good, I have learned to tone down my competitiveness and allow others to outrun me and take hold of the victor's cup. Let them have their chance at it and receive the glory that is rightfully due to them. I will happily applaud their accomplishments. In humility I have accepted the fact that I cannot always be superior from the rest. Fighting for the number one spot is a price often too high to pay. I no longer find the motivation to keep on vying for the best.
In deciding to let go of the compulsion to win, I now can freely breathe the fresh air of contentment. No longer overly concerned about what others think, nor pressured by their push to climb the top, I am at last satisfied to stay put. When I get up again to contend will depend on me, not them. I alone should take control of my life. I am no one's puppet.
Changing my mindset has far greater rewards than any accolade, trophy or medal.
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