# Exceptionalism \> Perfectionism

**URL:** <https://forum.zurb.com/t/exceptionalism-perfectionism/192>\
**Category:** Open topics\
**Tags:** articles\
**Created:** [August 19, 2025, 5:48pm UTC](https://forum.zurb.com/t/exceptionalism-perfectionism/192 "2025-08-19T17:48:38Z")\
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**Author:** ![Bryan](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.zurb.com/bryan/32/448_2.png) [@Bryan](https://forum.zurb.com/u/Bryan)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 4:15pm UTC](https://forum.zurb.com/t/exceptionalism-perfectionism/192/12 "2025-11-01T16:15:21Z")

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Was thinking more about exceptionalism as a life growth stage, that in fact, it’s a more mundane concept if we look at it through the lens of Kegan’s adult development.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/helio/original/1X/685d6d8ee15f58852f0f45c84f948755d6c70860.jpeg)

People shape their identity around external expectations. basically what others believe is “right,” “good,” or “successful.”

The drive for perfection often comes from wanting approval or avoiding criticism (not all the time, but I’d say this is a trap). Following the rules and measuring their worth through validation.

So exceptional comes from the willingness to learn and fail, to “author” your way to something unique. On a team that’s a general pool of people, only 1/3 will be on this path.

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