Being an overachiever sounds like a good thing, right? Most people would say yes, most people would argue that trying your hardest and getting results is an amazing feeling, but let's be honest, sometimes it is just downright exhausting. Always perfecting your homework, criticizing yourself for messing up and having a pet peeve that consists of people who don't work as hard as you are all signs that you are your neighborhood's friendly overachiever and most likely, you are going to stay an overachiever. Accepting your fate is the first step in a long process of realizing you will be working hard for the rest of your life, but there are tips and tricks that you can take with you that will make your perfectionism a little bit less overwhelming.
1. Make sure you plan everything beforehand: including homework, tests and social activities.
By doing so, you will feel a little bit less flooded with schoolwork and it will seem like you have a little bit more time to yourself and to "relax". Through organizing your hours and planning out what you will be doing and when, it will make you look forward to being productive and getting things done.
2. Make sure you are delegating your time and efforts.
You don't have to be perfect at everything and there are going to be certain things that you are not as good at and certain things that you are fantastic in. Realizing that you aren't perfect and working towards becoming a better person through bettering your knowledge of areas you are passionate about will take the pressure off of being exceptional at every task.
3. Take time for yourself every once in awhile.
This tip is extremely important! If you don't have a few hours to yourself every day or at least one day a week where you can sit back and relax, you are definitely asking for a mental breakdown to come your way.
4. Distract yourself with fun shenanigans.
Make sure to have some fun with your friends after all the hard work you've put in is done. Go out to get some ice cream, go get drinks, have a spa day or just sleep in until 12 because you deserve it. Like Donna and Tommy say in Parks and Recreation #treatyoself.
5. Remember that you are a hard worker and you can't just change your ways.
Accept that you are going to go above and beyond in group projects, discourse community essays and even just discussion posts. Don't think of it as a downfall, but as an amazing quality that sets you apart from those who put in the minimum effort.
