I went to the dentist last week after three years (yikes, right?!), and, for the most part, things were blessedly fine with my teeth. 

Except.

I’ve been having some issues with my gums. 

They get awfully tender. And sometimes little cuts show up. 

Turns out: I’m applying way too much pressure when I brush my teeth. I’m too heavy-handed.
 

Did I realize I was brushing my teeth with an unusual (and unnecessary) amount of force? Nope. 

…can you feel the metaphor cooking?…

And whyyyyyyy did I brush my teeth with so much force?

Because I wanted to do a good job. 

I showed up with way more pressure than was necessary (and is causing permanent damage to my gums!) because I wanted to do a good job. 

Eventually, muscle memory took over, and that amount of too-much-pressure became normal. 

It became normal. 
It became normal. 
It became normal. 

Uh huh. Let’s let that metaphor simmer for a bit, shall we?