[One Thousand Characters a Day] Sad Feelings Are Also a Habit <2>

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides daily 1,000-character transcription content for the 'One Day, One Thousand Characters' newsletter readers. The transcription content is carefully selected according to themes by day and month from Eastern and Western classics, Korean literature, notable columns, and famous speeches. Today, we introduce a part of the book ＜Depressed Minds Are Also Habits＞ by psychologist Professor Park Sang-mi, who talks about taking responsibility for one's emotions and living a happy life. The text contains 931 characters.

We unknowingly hold the thought that we should be somewhat superior to others, or that we are superior. I am the same. Although it may seem humble, inside there is a strong desire like 'I want to do better. I want to be better. I want to grow more. I want to be wiser.' Even if not expressed in words, everyone honestly has the desire to be more successful, to develop more, and to grow more than others. We all have a sense of superiority and competitiveness. Everyone does.

However, if I hide such feelings and suffer silently inside, I end up scolding myself too harshly, thinking, 'I want to do better, so why can't I? Why am I so lazy? Why can't I make an effort?' And I focus excessively on my flaws. I undervalue my physical defects, appearance, and abilities too much.

Perfectionism can serve as a motivation for achievement but can also have negative psychological effects. In fact, people with perfectionist tendencies tend to experience more negative emotions. Various psychology studies show a strong correlation between perfectionism and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and more. Especially, negative perfectionists fear others' negative evaluations and strive to achieve excessively high goals, but often end up dissatisfied, resulting in more severe mental distress.

The difference between positive and negative perfectionists lies in whether their self-esteem decreases when they fail to achieve high goals. Negative perfectionists think dichotomously about their efforts as success or failure, defining failure to achieve goals as 'failure.' On the other hand, positive perfectionists are relatively less dichotomous in their thinking. All perfectionists feel frustrated and distressed when they fail to achieve their goals. However, if they endure the frustration after failure and believe they can do better next time, positive emotions are formed.

- Park Sang-mi, 'Depressed Minds Are Also Habits', Evening Moon, 18,800 KRW