What's So Bad About Excellence?
I had another conversation with my professional mentor last week, and she said something about me and my good friend, K, as we finished the conversation: ... "it's because you (both) over-function." Now, if you have been part of my training in psychotherapy, you would know that over-functioning is not a great thing. It's not even a good thing. It implies that I regularly do more in my relationships than is necessary or even helpful. I felt the power of her comment today in a session with a couple in which I was working hard, being helpful, resourceful, and empathetic all at once. I was working, but I was working very hard. But here's the rub: what's the difference between doing more than necessary and striving for excellence? Because that's what I see myself doing. Pursuing professional and personal excellence. My clients count on me to bring a centered self into their time with me, a professional who has done her homework, reflected on their lives w