Thoughts??

Overachieve

1. to perform, especially academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one's mental ability or aptitude. 2. to perform better or achieve more than expected, especially by others. 3. to perform (for example, in examinations) better than would be expected on the basis of one's age or talents By these definitions, would you label me as an overachiever? Does the term 'overachiever' imply a positive or negative quality to you? To me, it implies a negative quality - which is why I'm having a little "freak out" right now. In the past few months, I have been called an overachiever by different friends, in different situations, about different things. Because of the meaning of the word in my brain, I am trying to figure out if THEY meant it in a positive or negative way... but based on the conversation we were having, I think it was negative. I know that not everyone can do the same things as everyone else, and perhaps I was (am) labeled as an overachiever simply because I inadvertently made them feel bad for not being able to do what I'm doing. I never expect anyone to be able to do exactly what I do, nor do I expect that I can do exactly what others do - yet it hurts my heart when my name and this word are used in the same sentence together. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive right now, or maybe there is something to it. I don't know. I was told tonight that I "can take a break from it! You do more than most people do, so cut yourself some slack and don't stress out about it." (in reference to my comment that tonight I was playing minesweeper instead of doing something more productive... like indexing.) Any thoughts on the subject? I do not boast myself to be better than anyone at any thing - and I apologize sincerely to anyone whom I have given that impression.