Navigating the High Seas of Corporate Expectations: Finding Balance in Our Quest for Excellence
In our journey through the corporate world, we often encounter a formidable wave – the unrelenting standards of professional excellence. This is a tide that pushes many of us to sail endlessly, chasing a horizon where our efforts are "just enough," our achievements are celebrated 🎉, and our work is recognized as more than "normal." Yet, for too many, this horizon seems perpetually out of reach.
The culture of high expectations within corporate settings can be both a blessing 🍀 and a curse 😓. On one hand, it drives innovation, motivates excellence, and sets the stage for remarkable achievements. On the other, it can lead to a chronic feeling of inadequacy, where professionals never feel good enough, regardless of their successes and contributions. This relentless pursuit of perfection can erode our mental well-being, leaving us in a state of constant self-doubt and undervaluation of our accomplishments.
The pressure to constantly outperform not only stifles our sense of satisfaction but can also hinder genuine engagement and creativity. When every achievement is seen as a stepping stone to the next, without a moment of recognition or celebration, it's easy to lose sight of the value we bring to our teams and organizations.
So, how can we address this?
Working with endless professionals in a therapy setting, I often use the image of "Pyjamas uniform".

We first discuss how army uniforms work: the badges are a collection of achievements and their purpose is to gain attention. More badges - higher ranking. People treat you differently - if they can read your badges properly.
In the realm of personal psychology, we do not want to base our identity on external badges. However, we also need to celebrate small and big wins and victories. We should not overlook our achievements or devalue them by assessing them as "normal" or "standard".
That's why I introduce the metaphor of "pyjamas" uniform. It is a very intimate uniform, which serves only the wearer's purposes. It can have various forms - it can be "real" in the form of a notice board, or virtual in the excell list of achievements or a diary. Creativity is endless - the key is to remember, acknowledge and build self-worth! It is NOT a display for others to like us...
Next time you prepare your new "badge," focus on these 2 points:
Celebrate Small Wins: Let's start by recognizing and celebrating the small victories, both our own and those of our colleagues. These moments of acknowledgment can significantly boost morale and encourage a culture of appreciation 🌟.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself and others that perfection is an illusion. Embracing our imperfections and learning from them can lead to growth and resilience. Let's be as kind to ourselves as we strive to be to others ❤️.
Let's strive to create a workplace environment that values progress over perfection, well-being over relentless competition, and collective support over individual criticism. Together, we can make the corporate world a healthier, more supportive place to thrive 💪🌈. Visit the list of my workshops here. This topic is coverd in workshop White collar challenges.