Perfectionism & High Achievers: When "Doing Your Best" Becomes Exhausting

If you’ve always been the one who holds it all together, pushes through, and sets the bar high—this one’s for you.

Maybe you’ve been told you’re successful, capable, even impressive. But underneath it all, you feel like you’re barely keeping up. You’re constantly striving, yet rarely satisfied. You overthink everything, put others' needs before your own, and still wonder if you’re doing enough. That inner voice that says, “You should be doing better”? It’s relentless.

Sound familiar?

Perfectionism isn’t just about neat planners and high GPAs. It’s the heavy pressure to do everything “right,” the fear of failure, and the belief that your worth depends on your performance. And for high-achieving individuals—especially those with ADHD, anxiety, or trauma—this pressure can become paralyzing.

You might…

• Feel anxious or on edge, even when things are “going well”

• Procrastinate because you’re afraid you won’t get it perfect

• Struggle to rest or enjoy downtime without guilt

• Constantly feel behind, no matter how much you accomplish

• Doubt your worth if you’re not constantly achieving

At Ideal Psychology Group, we get it. You’re not “too sensitive” or “overthinking”—you’ve been operating in survival mode for a long time. And while perfectionism may have helped you succeed, it’s probably not helping you feel fulfilled.

You don’t have to keep doing it all alone. Therapy can help you slow down, reconnect with what matters, and build a life that feels more balanced and true to who you are.

If you're ready to stop chasing impossible standards and start feeling like enough, let’s talk. Book a session today—our therapists are here to support you every step of the way.

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