Life according to the performance principle is also life according to the conformity principle: ironically we try to be outstanding-to stand out-by conforming to the standards that our culture values most highly. (77, Marcus Borg, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time)
I have experienced this principle often in my life! I can tell that I am living according to the performance principle when I start really worrying about what people think of me or if I must be "outstanding" in order to live up to people's expectations. But we do not need to do this-we only need to live up to Godde's expectations and I believe Godde only wants us to be all that we can be. Godde does not want us to be perfect robots with no passion, but instead people that strive to love and live intensely and with passion.