UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE ADDICTION

Performance addiction is an unhealthy and relentless pursuit of success, often driven by the fear of failure or the need for external validation. Teens, in particular, may experience this pressure in academic settings, extracurricular activities, or social circles. Parents, too, can fall into the trap of equating their worth with achievements, inadvertently passing on these expectations to their children.

SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT BE SUFFERING FROM IT

●Fear of Failure: Extreme anxiety or distress at the thought of not meeting high standards.

●Relentless Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic expectations and never feeling satisfied with achievements.

●Burnout: Persistent fatigue and exhaustion due to continuous striving for success.

●Low Self-Esteem: Tying self-worth solely to achievements and external validation.

● Neglecting Well-being: Ignoring physical and mental health in the pursuit of success.

IMPACT ON ADOLESCENTS

●Performance addiction can contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

● The constant pursuit of success may lead to neglect of personal relationships.

● Teens may struggle to develop a healthy sense of self outside of their achievements.

● The pressure to constantly excel increases the risk of burnout, negatively impacting overall well-being.

Clinical Psychologist Arthur P . Ciaramicoli, teaches us that the belief that perfecting appearance and achieving status will secure the love and respect from others is called performance addiction.

IMPACT ON PARENTS

●Parents with performance addiction may unknowingly pass on these expectations to their teens.

●Unrealistic expectations can strain the parent-child relationship, leading to communication breakdowns.

●Teens may emulate their parents' performance-driven behaviors, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM PATTERN?

●Learn how to listen. Develop your capacity for empathy.

● Slow yourself down. Try always to be in the moment.

● Make self-care a priority. Regularly take the time to exercise and eat a nutritious meal.

● Give your children your love, not your anxiety. Children who have parents with performance addiction may develop it, too.

● Stop criticizing the people around you. Performance addicts are always looking for ways to improve themselves, their spouse, and their family. Stop doing that and start creating intimacy through uncritical affection.

● Develop realistic attitudes about your appearance and your financial status. Reign in your lofty expectations and create goals that can be reached.

● Allow yourself to make mistakes without feeling that you are a mistake. Tell yourself that failure to drive a certain car or live in a certain house does not mean you are a failure.