Perfectionism & the Fear of Failure
Discover why perfectionism forms, how it hijacks the mind, and how to break free.
When the Standard Keeps Moving
When the standard keeps moving, effort never meets arrival.
Just as you approach, the line slides ahead.
This teaches striving without rest.
The goal was never meant to be reached; it was meant to keep motion going.
Naming the movement exposes the mechanism.
Identify shifting standards with DojoWell.
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Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it feel like as soon as I reach a goal, the "standard" moves further away?
This is the "Moving Standard" trap of the Reward & Pursuit system. To keep you in pursuit mode, the brain recalibrates "enough" the moment you achieve a goal. Identifying this shifting standard allows you to stop the chase. You realize the "bar" isn't a reflection of reality, but a mechanical carrot designed to keep the engine running. Naming it allows you to step off the treadmill and claim your win.
How do I find satisfaction if the standard is always moving?
You anchor your satisfaction in the Process of Completion rather than the achievement of the standard. In the model, "enough" is a state of the nervous system, not a number on a scale. By focusing on the "landing" of each task—taking a moment to feel it being "done"—you reclaim the satisfaction that the moving standard is trying to steal. You decide when the loop is closed.