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Optimizer
Sets high standards for themselves. Feels pressure to achieve perfection in their lives.
Average user score
63
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High scorers are driven by a strong desire to attain the highest level of excellence in all aspects of their lives. When making choices, they invest time and effort in gathering information and analyzing alternatives before making decisions. This is in part because they set extremely high standards for themselves.
This leads to persistent sense of self-imposed pressure and a tendency to be overly critical of their own performance. They may experience difficulty in making choices due to the fear of making mistakes or missing out on better options. The pursuit of perfection could create significant levels of stress and dissatisfaction, as they continually strive for an unattainable ideal. Managing the tension between maximizing and perfectionism would be a central challenge for individuals with high scores on both traits, as they balance the pursuit of excellence with the need for contentment and self-acceptance.
Optimizing is one of the ultimate “double edged swords”. That is, it is both a gift and a curse.
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When dating, Optimizers are likely to “test the waters” collecting data on what they do and don’t enjoy in a potential partner.
Their tendency to sort options and carefully select partners can help them find a true fit and avoid red flags or relationship issues that could manifest long-term.
On the other hand, the tendency to over-optimize decisions in love can be problematic. If their focus is perfection, maximizers can be quick to spot people’s flaws and feel paralyzed in their inability to choose a partner.
This can be particularly problematic for those who score high on Fantasy as they can imagine a perfect, yet unrealistic partner based on what they want vs. what is humanly possible
Perhaps more so than any other group, finding love for fantasy-prone Optimizers requires a pragmatic examination of what they truly need from a partner and acknowledgment that other areas of life, like friendships and meaningful work, can be the source of missing fulfillment.
Optimizers have a tendency to set unrealistic expectations for their partners and themselves, leading to a constant evaluation of the relationship against an idealized standard.
This could manifest as an ongoing need for reassurance and a fear of making mistakes or settling for less than perfect. The pursuit of an ideal relationship and their perfectionistic tendencies may also make it challenging for optimizers to fully appreciate and enjoy the present moment, as they continually analyze and seek improvements.
Finding a balance between their desire for a perfect relationship and accepting the imperfections inherent in any partnership is a crucial aspect of their romantic journey.
The very tendencies that can make romantic relationships a challenge for optimizers make them excel in the workplace. That is the duality Optimizers must face.
Because they constantly seek better and set high standards for themselves, Optimizers are quick to identify issues in their own work or in organizations and propose better alternatives.
Optimizers are natural evaluators and decision-makers. They strive to minimize risk and reap the greatest rewards. Dominant Optimizers can be particularly authoritative in leadership because they often see the right choice between alternatives and want to rush everyone else.
While they value new opinions and options, the Optimizer usually executes decisions. Open to discussion, yet selective in conversation.
Ironically, Optimizers who spend exorbitant amounts of time to make the “best” choice often feel the most regret in the end. The reality is that the perfect choice rarely exists.
While we should always strive for the best, all the time wasted achieving conclusions can make a Optimizers feel even less satisfied than when they started. This exhaustion has a tendency to lead to self-blame for this unavoidable dissatisfaction.
Alternatively, decisions can also be paralyzing if Optimizers don’t have enough time to consider all their options. With decisions not fully considered, they will once again resort to self-blame for hurrying despite external forces.
Ironically, Optimizers who spend exorbitant amounts of time to make the “best” choice often feel the most regret in the end. The reality is that the perfect choice rarely exists.
While we should always strive for the best, all the time wasted achieving conclusions can make a Optimizers feel even less satisfied than when they started. This exhaustion has a tendency to lead to self-blame for this unavoidable dissatisfaction.
Alternatively, decisions can also be paralyzing if Optimizers don’t have enough time to consider all their options. With decisions not fully considered, they will once again resort to self-blame for hurrying despite external forces.