Battling the Demon of Idealism: Why You Don’t Have to Be Obsessed with Becoming Great- MHA Reblog

I’m not an idealist.

I don’t consider myself to be an amazing therapist, writer, or human. To possess any of those distinctions, one needs to suffer and suffer greatly. Many writers have struggled to perfect their craft in desolate dungeons. History is full of its share of martyrs. And there are countless clinicians who take on some of the most difficult patients imaginable. Tremendous sacrifice is built into the edifice of greatness. And for some, that degree of charity is the sole foundation for self-esteem.

I’m not an idealist because I can’t imagine making those sacrifices. The best therapists in the world treat individuals with severe personality and psychotic disorders; they’re able to resist the deep pull of leisure to serve their communities in highly admirable ways. But, as much as I admire them, I don’t want to become one of them. The circumstances of their work are harsh and…