[edit: changes to second paragraph]

I think that having very high standards is one of the major requirements for achieving anything substantial or great.

It'd help with the issue you describe: if you've got very high standards, it's about what you think is important, and whether you think you've done something worthwhile or not - you don't care so much for pats on the back or attention from others.

As Steve Martin says "Be so good they can’t ignore you".