If you’re the type to set the bar high for yourself, you’re not alone. If you’ve got a habit of pushing your limits, chances are you’re in good company.

And it’s not always as simple as just trying harder. The human psyche is a labyrinth, complex and nuanced, with high standards often translating into subtle behaviors and habits.

Some folks might not even realize they’re doing these 8 things – the hallmarks of self-imposed high standards.

That’s where we come in. To illuminate these unspoken traits, to help us understand ourselves and each other a bit better.

After all, isn’t that what communication – and life – is all about?

1) Perfection is their pursuit

Perfection is a tricky thing, isn’t it?

It’s elusive, and yet, those who set high standards for themselves are constantly chasing after it. It’s like this invisible line that keeps moving further away, just out of reach.

And that’s where self-imposed high standards come in. They’re not just about hard work or diligence. They’re about striving for this elusive perfection in everything they do.

They might not even realize they’re doing it. They might think they’re just being thorough or meticulous. But it’s more than that. It’s an invisible push, a drive that comes from within.

Effortlessly adjusting a presentation to the last minute or spending an extra hour perfecting a piece of writing may seem like nothing to them. But these are the subtle signs of chasing perfection.

Pretty intense, right? Yet that’s just one of the many traits of people with high standards for themselves. And there’s much more to explore.

2) Procrastination is not in their dictionary

Let me tell you a story.

It was the night before a big presentation at work. Most of my colleagues had already clocked out, ready to tackle it fresh in the morning. Not me though.

There I was, in the office, hunched over my laptop, determined to perfect every slide, every word, every transition. The idea of leaving it for the next day just didn’t sit well with me. It felt like a betrayal of my own standards.

And here’s the thing – I didn’t even realize what I was doing. It didn’t feel like a sacrifice or an extra effort. It was just… me being me.

I later realized this is a classic trait of people who set high standards for themselves. We don’t put things off until tomorrow; we get them done today.

And I’m willing to bet that if you’re like me, you’ve had more than one late night striving for your best rather than pushing it to another day. Sound familiar?

3) They’re their own harshest critics

Picture this: an artist, standing in front of a large canvas, brush in hand, eyes squinted in concentration. She’s just finished her latest painting – a masterpiece, by any standards. But all she can see are the flaws.

That’s the thing about people who set high standards for themselves. They don’t just strive to be the best, they often hold themselves to an even higher standard than others do.

When they look at their own work, they see every tiny mistake, every imperfection, everything that could potentially be better. It’s like they have this internal magnifying glass that amplifies their flaws.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, this can be a double-edged sword. While it often leads to higher quality work, it can also lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt.

But hey, nobody said having high standards was easy, right?

4) They have an insatiable thirst for knowledge

Imagine walking into a bookstore and being drawn to every section. History, art, science, self-help – they all call out to you. You want to learn. You need to know more.

This is the reality for those with high standards for themselves. They’re lifelong learners, constantly seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.

Whether it’s taking up a new language, understanding the intricacies of a new software, or delving into the depths of ancient history – they’re always on the hunt for more.

Why? Because they understand that knowledge is power. The more they know, the better they can be at whatever they set their minds to.

It’s not just about being good – it’s about being the best. And to be the best, they know they need to constantly learn and grow.

5) They’re notoriously hard to please

I’ll be the first to admit it – I’m not easy to impress. It’s not that I’m trying to be difficult, but when you’re accustomed to a certain standard, it’s hard to settle for anything less.

Take food, for example. I’ve spent so much time honing my culinary skills and experimenting with flavors that I’ve developed a refined palate.

So, when I’m out at a restaurant, I can’t help but critique the dishes. I notice the balance of flavors, the presentation, the creativity behind the dish.

Now, apply this to other aspects of life. The same goes for work projects, personal goals, even relationships. When you have high standards for yourself, those standards often extend to all areas of your life.

But here’s the kicker – we’re not trying to be difficult or judgmental. We just know what we like and what we don’t, what works and what doesn’t.

And while it might take a bit more effort to meet our standards, the end result is always worth it. At least, that’s been my experience.

6) They’re often content with less

Here’s a twist you might not see coming.

People with high standards for themselves aren’t necessarily after more. More money, more success, more recognition. Instead, they’re often satisfied with less.

Why? Because they prioritize quality over quantity.

They’d rather have fewer, meaningful friendships than a large circle of acquaintances. They’d prefer a smaller home filled with items they love, than a large one brimming with things they don’t need.

They strive to excel in their chosen field, rather than dabbling in many and mastering none. They value depth over breadth.

It’s not about having less for the sake of it. It’s about focusing on what truly matters to them and letting go of the rest.

In essence, their pursuit of high standards often leads to a simpler, but richer life. Surprising, isn’t it?

7) They embrace failure

Failure isn’t a word that people like to hear, is it?

It brings to mind images of defeat, of not being good enough. But here’s the thing; for people with high standards for themselves, failure is just another stepping stone on the path to success.

They understand that mistakes are part of the process, that each setback brings them one step closer to their goals. Instead of shying away from failure, they embrace it. They analyze it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone.

Think of a child learning to walk. Each stumble, each fall, brings them closer to their goal. It’s the same with high achievers.

Failure isn’t a dead end – it’s a detour, a necessary part of the journey towards achieving their high standards.

So they dust themselves off, learn from the experience and keep on striving. Because in the end, the reward is worth every stumble along the way.

8) They never settle

When it comes to high achievers, one thing stands out above the rest – they never settle.

Whether it’s a personal goal, a professional milestone, or a passion project, they’re always striving for more. Not for the sake of ambition or recognition, but for the pure satisfaction of knowing they gave it their all.

They push boundaries. They challenge norms. They raise the bar – not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.

They’re driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement, a constant desire to be better today than they were yesterday.

And that’s the thing about people with high standards for themselves. They never settle because they know there’s always room for growth, always an opportunity to learn and improve.

And that, in essence, is what sets them apart.

Embracing the pursuit of high standards

If you’ve journeyed with us through these eight points, hopefully, you’ve gained some insight into what it truly means to have high standards for yourself.

It’s not about being a perfectionist or never being satisfied. It’s about the relentless pursuit of growth and improvement. It’s about pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Having high standards for oneself isn’t a burden or a curse – it’s a badge of honor, a testament to one’s dedication and resilience.

As Michelangelo famously said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”

So, if you recognize these traits in yourself, wear them proudly. And if you don’t, remember – it’s never too late to raise your standards and elevate your life.

After all, in the end, it’s not about where we start or even what we achieve. It’s about who we become in the process. Take a moment to reflect on that.