The way I see it, you only have so much “above and beyond” you can give. Figuring out how and when to expend the extra energy isn't easy, but it's the only way to keep yourself sane. Keep the big picture in mind – if giving an additional 10% is going to significantly improve your progress toward the big goal, go for it..but don't sweat the petty things.

I think I'm afraid of mediocrity. I'm always trying to push my self harder, give 10% more. The big question for me lately is, though, how to keep pushing that hard without burning out?

Be it in school or in the workplace, trying to manage/teach a group of people who are all over the spectrum in terms of their ability, motivation, and attitude seems like a nightmare. Hopefully your mom has managed to find a balance over time. I guess if I felt like the bar was set pretty low to do well on a project, I still gave it my all, even though I ended up doing way more work than was required. I'd hope that some of her more motivated/gifted students will raise the bar for themselves instead of being frustrated.

I'm popping over to your blog but already saw that you had a Chuck Palahniuk quote and am 99% sure I'm going to like what I find there. Thanks for reading!!

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist who is constantly struggling with “my best” in a “good enough” world, this post resonated with me. A lot. My husband and I declared a few months ago that we never want to be the people who settle. Ever. We have some friends who have done settled for whatever reason and while it may be working for them, it looks unsatisfying from the outside.

Another thing you touched on was how “mediocrity breeds contempt,” especially in school. My mom is a high school math teacher and is constantly struggling with teaching to the highest kid or the lowest kid in the class. Unfortunately, you know which kid usually gets the attention.

Thanks for this post. I was linked to it from our mutual blogger-ista, Lindsey over at Lost In Cheesland & her “Friday Hot List.” I look forward to reading more!