Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Why ‘Maxxing’ Can Turn Self-Improvement Into Self-Criticism
“Maxxing” is a social-media word for trying to improve something as much as possible.
It comes from a gaming idea about making a character as powerful as possible.
People now use it for appearance, food, health and personality.
Trying to improve can sometimes be fun and helpful.
But people cannot permanently perfect their health, relationships or lifestyle.
Constantly comparing yourself with ideal images online can create stress and make you focus on what seems wrong with you.
The article suggests caring about improvement while also being kind to yourself.
It calls this balanced approach “moderation-maxxing.”
“Maxxing” applies the gaming idea of maximising desirable traits to appearance, health, personality and lifestyle goals.
The trend can make healthy habits engaging, create identity and connect people with similar goals.
Constant optimisation may instead encourage self-surveillance, comparison, anxiety and self-criticism.
Social-media communities focused on idealised bodies have been associated with risks including muscle dysmorphia and orthorexia.
The article recommends “moderation-maxxing,” self-compassion and mindful awareness alongside continued personal growth.
- Who
- Social-media users and online communities interested in self-improvement; the article is written by Jennifer Donnelly, a doctoral researcher at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
- What
- The article examines the “maxxing” trend and argues that extreme optimisation can undermine psychological wellbeing.
- When
- The article does not specify a publication date; it discusses a current social-media trend.
- Where
- On social media and in online communities, including looksmaxxing spaces.
- Why
- Because framing every aspect of life as something to maximise may motivate healthy habits but can also fuel comparison, self-criticism, anxiety and harmful behaviours.
- Term origin
- “Maxxing” derives from the gaming concept of “min-maxing,” which involves maximising useful attributes while minimising less useful ones.
- Examples
- The article cites looksmaxxing, fibremaxxing and personality-maxxing.
- Potential benefits
- Maxxing can make healthy behaviour engaging, provide a sense of identity and help people connect with others pursuing similar goals.
- Potential risks
- Constant optimisation may contribute to self-surveillance, self-criticism, body anxiety and anxiety about health or self-image.
- Associated concerns
- The article says social-media content glorifying idealised bodies has been associated with greater risks of muscle dysmorphia and orthorexia.
- Suggested approach
- “Moderation-maxxing” means continuing to pursue goals without allowing optimisation to damage psychological wellbeing or social connections.
- Recommended practices
- Self-compassion and mindful awareness can encourage kindness, reduce self-judgement and support acceptance of imperfection.