Perfectionism & the Fear of Failure
Discover why perfectionism forms, how it hijacks the mind, and how to break free.
When Self-Expectation Never Closes
When self-expectation never closes, there is always one more box waiting.
Completion feels temporary, relief conditional.
The list lives inside now, updating itself without permission.
This open loop keeps effort alive long after necessity ends.
Recognition doesn’t finish the list, but it shows you are not the list.
Recognize open-loop expectations with DojoWell.
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Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel like I'm always failing a test I didn't know I was taking?
This is "Self-Expectation That Never Closes." Unlike a specific task with a finish line, internalized expectations are infinite. Your Narrative system has set a bar that moves as you approach it, meaning you never reach a "done" signal. Identifying this as an "open loop" helps you see that your feeling of failure isn't based on your performance, but on a structural error in how you define "enough."
How can I find a "finish line" for my own expectations?
You must transition from Outcome-based standards to Time-based boundaries. Instead of saying "I'll rest when I'm better," say "I will inhabit this current version of myself for the next hour." By creating a "Zero-Expectation Window," you allow the loop to close artificially. This gives the human integrator the space it needs to update your identity without the constant noise of a pending audit.