The pursuit of top grades was no different. I thought I had to complete every assignment flawlessly, score the highest marks, and seize every opportunity for validation from teachers. Similarly, when I tried to get into the habit of reading, I aimed for a huge goal of reading for two hours every day. But, as you might expect, I couldn’t keep up with such tough routines. And every time I couldn’t do it, I felt like I was failing, which made me doubt myself even more.