7 Signs You May Be Holding Yourself to an Impossible Standard

Most judges have had a moment like this. Court has ended for the day. The files are closed, and the courtroom is quiet. But later that evening, a decision from earlier in the day resurfaces in your mind. You begin mentally reviewing the record again, wondering whether you missed something or whether there was another way to handle the issue.

Taking decisions seriously is part of the role. Judges are trained to analyze carefully, apply the law thoughtfully, and strive to reach fair outcomes. That level of diligence is one of the strengths of the judicial system.

But the same traits that make someone an effective judge, such as preparation, discipline, and attention to detail, can sometimes create internal pressure to get every decision exactly right.

Over time, that pressure can quietly evolve into perfectionism. Instead of simply striving to do the job well, judges may begin to feel that mistakes are unacceptable or that every decision must withstand unlimited scrutiny.

Perfectionism rarely appears all at once. It usually shows up in small patterns of thinking that gradually make it harder to disengage from work or to give yourself credit for thoughtful decisions.

Here are seven signs that perfectionism may be quietly affecting your work on the bench.

You Replay Decisions Long After Court Ends

It is common to reflect on a case after the courtroom is empty. Judges take their responsibilities seriously, but if you find yourself repeatedly replaying decisions late into the evening, asking “Did I miss something?” or “Was there a better way to handle that?” it may signal that the mind is having difficulty letting the workday end.

Occasional reflection is healthy, but constant replay can become exhausting.

Small Errors Feel Larger Than They Are

Every professional makes small mistakes. A citation may need correction. A scheduling issue may arise. Some might disagree with a ruling.

Perfectionism tends to magnify these moments. Instead of seeing them as part of a complex legal system, the mind interprets them as personal failures.

Over time, that internal pressure can increase stress and self-criticism.

You Feel Responsible for Outcomes You Cannot Control

Judges make decisions based on the law and the facts presented in the courtroom. What happens afterward is often beyond a judge’s control.

Perfectionistic thinking can blur that boundary. Judges may begin to feel responsible for how parties react to decisions or for consequences that unfold outside the courtroom.

Carrying responsibility for outcomes beyond your role can become emotionally heavy over time.

You Have Difficulty Mentally Leaving Work

Many judges describe finishing the day but feeling as though their mind is still in the courtroom.

Dinner conversations drift back to cases. Quiet moments become opportunities to re-examine rulings. Even leisure activities may not fully distract from the day’s decisions.

When work consistently follows you home, it may be a sign that the internal pressure to get everything right has become difficult to turn off.

Sleep Becomes More Difficult

Perfectionism often shows up at night. When the day slows down, the brain begins reviewing unresolved decisions or potential issues for the next day. Judges who experience this sometimes report difficulty falling asleep or waking during the night thinking about cases.

Sleep disruption is often one of the earliest signs that stress is accumulating.

You Feel Like You Must Always Have the Right Answer

Judges are expected to make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions. But perfectionism can turn that expectation into something more rigid. Instead of trusting your preparation and judgment, you may begin to feel that every decision must be absolutely correct and immune from criticism. That is an impossible standard for any human being to maintain.

You Rarely Give Yourself Credit for the Work You Do Well

Judges handle an extraordinary number of decisions every week. Most of those decisions are thoughtful, careful and fair.

Perfectionism tends to overlook those successes. The mind focuses on the one issue that might have gone differently rather than the many decisions that were handled effectively.

Over time, this pattern can make the work feel heavier than it needs to be.

A Healthier Standard

The judicial role requires diligence, fairness and careful judgment, not require perfection.

The legal system itself recognizes this. That is why appellate courts exist and why legal issues are continually reviewed and refined.

A healthier question for judges to ask themselves is not “Did I make the perfect decision?” but rather: “Did I make a thoughtful decision based on the law and the information available?”

If the answer is yes, that is often enough.

A Final Thought

Judges take their responsibilities seriously, and that dedication is one of the strengths of the justice system. But carrying the weight of every decision long after the courtroom closes can slowly increase stress.

If perfectionism begins affecting sleep, stress levels, or overall well-being, it can help to talk with someone outside the courtroom.

OLAP and the Judicial Advisory Group (ohiolap.org) provide confidential support to members of the legal profession, including judges. Conversations are private, practical, and focused on helping legal professionals maintain both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.

Sometimes the healthiest step is simply remembering that thoughtful judgment is enough.