Being a perfectionist, being anxious

AIDS researcher Anthony Fauci, MD notes that pursuing excellence in your life and work is not without emotional challenges:

“One of the by-products of being a perfectionist and constantly trying to improve myself are sobering feelings of low-grade anxiety and a nagging sense of inadequacy… This anxiety keeps me humble.”

In his essay “A Goal of Service to Humankind,” Dr. Fauci continues: “I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.. I consider myself a perpetual student. … I believe in striving for excellence. I sweat the big and the small stuff!

“I do not apologize for this. One of the by-products of being a perfectionist and constantly trying to improve myself are sobering feelings of low-grade anxiety and a nagging sense of inadequacy. But this is not anxiety without a purpose. No, this anxiety keeps me humble. It creates a healthy tension that serves as the catalyst that drives me to fulfill my limited potential.

“This has made me a better physician and scientist. Without this tension, I wouldn’t be as focused.”

Dr. Fauci is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. His research focuses on HIV/AIDS, asthma, allergies and other ailments. He advises the government on the global AIDS crisis and threats related to bioterrorism.

His essay is in the new NPR book (and audio CD) This I Believe: Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women
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