I am a very driven individual who has always strived for excellence in everything I do. From academics to career to party playlists to coaching, I always set high standards for myself and work tirelessly to achieve them. However, this pursuit of greatness has also come with its fair share of pressure.
For some backstory, in high school, my parents hired a writing coach to help me with my college admission essay. Given that my grades started in the high 80s, but ended in the mid-90s, I wanted to stand out amongst college administrators who were looking for someone who was on the rise. That essay started with the sentence that would define me for many years, “Everything I do, I do well.”
Many of my accomplishments throughout the years may seem impressive, but they also come with a lot of pressure. From writing a song and performing it on behalf of our Senior Class in high school to hosting a Greek God competition in Binghamton to getting mentioned on the Howard Stern Show, I always feel like I have to maintain my high standards and always TRY to be the best I possibly can at everything I do.
This pressure only intensified as I got older and started a company and family. While this drive has helped me achieve a lot of dreams, it has also taken a toll on my mental health. I admit that I often put too much pressure on myself to be great. And while I try not to compare myself to others, self-criticism or negative thoughts can always sneak in and be draining and cause anxiety.
Despite these challenges, I continue to push myself to be the best I can be. I know the pressure I put on myself can be overwhelming at times, but I believe that it's worth it to achieve my ultimate goals. From coaching to work to family, it is very hard work to constantly strive for success. But anything worth doing, is worth doing well.
For others who may be struggling with similar pressures, I have learned over the years to set smaller achievable goals and to focus on the progress, rather than perfection. It's important to celebrate victories along the way and acknowledge the work that goes into achieving them. Also, meditation is key to releasing negative energy.
The pressure to be great can be a double-edged sword. While it can drive us to achieve incredible things, it can also take a toll on our mental health. It's important to find a balance between striving for excellence and taking care of ourselves. I’m still working on mine. Hopefully this can help with yours!
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