One of my great epiphanies as an American expat is that Americans have a tendency to be extreme. They often have one thing that they use to define themselves. They are driven to be the best at their 'one thing'.
- People who go to church on Sunday feel the need to tell you about it on Monday.
- The guy at work who runs marathons, is running all the time. He never comes to lunch because he is doing a practice run.
- People who are fat. ...well, I am sorry, but if it was genetic then there would be 500lb people in Europe too.
- People who work, work and work and work. A lot of Americans fall under this category.
I think taking pride in your work is a good thing. Knowing when you could do better is a good thing. Building your sense of self around any one aspect of your personality is a bad thing.
Aim to be more well-rounded. Try to find lots of things you like doing. Moderate your activities. Live a less extreme life.
(I have obviously made some assumptions here. This post probably applies more to me than anyone else. :)
- People who go to church on Sunday feel the need to tell you about it on Monday.
- The guy at work who runs marathons, is running all the time. He never comes to lunch because he is doing a practice run.
- People who are fat. ...well, I am sorry, but if it was genetic then there would be 500lb people in Europe too.
- People who work, work and work and work. A lot of Americans fall under this category.
I think taking pride in your work is a good thing. Knowing when you could do better is a good thing. Building your sense of self around any one aspect of your personality is a bad thing.
Aim to be more well-rounded. Try to find lots of things you like doing. Moderate your activities. Live a less extreme life.
(I have obviously made some assumptions here. This post probably applies more to me than anyone else. :)