Overcorrecting Personality: How to Manage Stress and Pressure at Work - Psychiatry

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A personality that is prone to overcorrection?


After entering the workforce, I was criticized by my colleagues for being too slow, which led me to adopt an extreme approach to correct this.
Whether at work or after hours, I rush through tasks, demanding speed and efficiency.
When I was told my driving skills were poor, I practiced driving obsessively, becoming overly cautious.
Whenever my shortcomings are pointed out, I strive to correct them relentlessly.
Even after addressing these flaws, I still feel unable to relax, causing tension and stress for both myself and those around me.
How can I improve this tendency to overcorrect? Thank you, doctor.

Miss Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/22

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry


From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to your perfectionistic personality and the pressures of interpersonal interactions.

1.
Facing an uncertain future, psychosomatic disorders are common in modern individuals.
This is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment for recovery.

2.
Psychosomatic disorders are chronic illnesses characterized by episodes of exacerbation, remission, recovery, and relapse.
More than half of patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms even after they have subsided.
Given individual differences in constitution, it is necessary to confirm whether your situation requires medical attention.

3.
In terms of pharmacological treatment, each primary medication requires 4 to 6 weeks to assess its efficacy.
It is advisable for you to keep a record of the duration and frequency of any discomforting symptoms you experience.

4.
In addition to medication and psychotherapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, anesthesia-free treatment with high safety that does not require hospitalization.
It can improve issues related to anxiety and depression.
Please discuss any concerns regarding psychosomatic disorders or personality assessment with your physician during your follow-up visit.
Our clinic is open for consultations from Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon.
We recommend that you consider visiting the clinic for a personal evaluation of your symptoms, allowing for a collaborative discussion to determine the best course of action for you.

Wishing you mental and physical well-being.

Reply Date: 2023/02/22

More Info


Managing stress and pressure at work, especially when it leads to an overcorrecting personality, is a common challenge many individuals face in today’s fast-paced work environment. Your experience of feeling pressured to improve and overcompensate in response to criticism is not uncommon, and it can lead to a cycle of anxiety and stress that affects both your professional and personal life.


Understanding Overcorrecting Behavior
Overcorrecting behavior often stems from a desire to meet external expectations or to avoid criticism. When you receive feedback about being slow or lacking in a particular skill, it can trigger a strong reaction to change quickly and drastically. This reaction is often rooted in a fear of failure or a desire for approval, which can lead to heightened stress levels. The pressure to perform at an accelerated pace can create a cycle of anxiety, where you feel the need to constantly prove yourself, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.


Strategies for Improvement
1. Self-Reflection: Begin by reflecting on your motivations. Ask yourself why you feel the need to overcorrect. Is it due to external pressures, or is it a personal standard you’ve set for yourself? Understanding the root cause can help you address the behavior more effectively.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of striving for perfection or immediate improvement, set achievable, incremental goals. For instance, if you’re working on your driving skills, focus on mastering one aspect at a time, such as parallel parking or highway merging, rather than trying to become an expert overnight.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness encourages you to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about past mistakes or future expectations. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even short breaks during work can help you regain composure.

4. Seek Constructive Feedback: Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Approach your colleagues or supervisors for constructive feedback on your performance. This can help you understand areas for improvement without feeling overwhelmed by the need to change everything at once.

5. Balance Efficiency with Quality: While it’s important to be efficient, it’s equally important to maintain the quality of your work. Remind yourself that rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes, which may ultimately require more time to correct. Strive for a balance between speed and thoroughness.

6. Communicate Openly: If you feel comfortable, discuss your feelings of pressure with your colleagues or supervisors. Open communication can foster a supportive work environment where everyone understands the challenges each person faces. This can also help alleviate some of the pressure you feel to perform perfectly.

7. Limit Comparisons: It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in a competitive work environment. Focus on your own progress and achievements rather than measuring yourself against your peers. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

8. Engage in Stress-Relief Activities: Find activities outside of work that help you relax and unwind. Whether it’s exercising, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with friends and family, engaging in enjoyable activities can help reduce overall stress levels.

9. Consider Professional Help: If you find that your stress and anxiety are overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with coping strategies tailored to your specific situation and help you work through feelings of inadequacy or pressure.


Conclusion
Managing stress and pressure at work, particularly when it leads to overcorrecting behavior, requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the underlying motivations for your actions, setting realistic goals, practicing mindfulness, and fostering open communication, you can create a healthier work environment for yourself. Remember, it’s important to be kind to yourself and recognize that growth takes time. Embrace the journey of self-improvement without the burden of perfectionism, and you’ll likely find a more balanced and fulfilling work experience.

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