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Pressure to be Perfect

There's so much noise about stress everywhere. People are constantly complaining, grumbling, some taking it seriously and doing something about it or some proudly flaunting it because it's a sign to show that they're busy. OK. Enough said.

My question is - is the primary cause of all this stress because of an immense pressure to be perfect in everything we do?

Take parenting, for e.g. Have we created a myth of having to be perfect parents? Let's see - you have to help kids with their homework so that they get their straight 'A's, chaperone them to music and dance classes, sports, extra math, involve in the school PTAs, setup playdates, read to them everyday (wee ones) and the list goes on. Even as an adult, these tasks are so daunting. I don't even want to think about the kids who have to do all the above - with perfection. Well, they have to, right??

Then, comes the onus of being a dutiful son/daughter to your parents, caring sibling, affectionate spouse, successful corporate worker, wonderful student, exemplary teacher, good neighbor, responsible citizen - you get the idea.

All of the above is not something new. We homo sapiens have been at this for centuries. But, in the recent years, is there an element to excel that's the culprit behind our stressful lives? Why do we have a burning desire to be good at everything we do? It's great to have high standards, but what is the cost here? Is being a less-perfectionist that big a deal? Are we willing to set the bar a little lower for ourselves so that we can create room for some harmony?

Well, i am not ready yet. How about you?
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