“You’re too hard on yourself”, is something I tend to hear more than usual. 

Whether that is by my teachers, counselors, or even my parents at times. But, what makes someone too hard on themselves? High Expectations? High expectations tend to guide someone to have a motivation to do well in whatever they put their mind to. That inner motivation is like the key to success, because if you don't have the drive to get something done, how are you ever going to be successful? Success is one of the many causes for high expectations. 

Everyone wants to be living the dream when they are older and all have this ideal life, but it's impossible to reach if you don’t put the work in yourself.   

No one can be too hard on themselves because it is an incentive for people to do their best. Being too hard on yourself comes from those high expectations set on someone by their parents. Parents know what it takes to be successful and just want what is best for their children. So when it comes down to a parent with high expectations or a non-chilant parent, I would 100% pick the higher expectations. 

Alongside parents wanting the best for their kids, they are shaping their kids for either what they want to accomplish or what they know their kid can accomplish. “No excuses just produce”, my dad says. His saying might sound harsh to some, but I believe he gets right to the point whenever he does tell me that. In reality, pushing yourself leads to achievements some didn’t even think they would ever accomplish. Like seeing that A on the test you never thought you could ever do well on, or being able to lift a heavy weight. How are these possible? By pushing yourself to your limits. 

I rather be too hard on myself than not pushing myself enough—and then living with regret.