A professional athlete wins his first world championship. His satisfaction lasts for only a short time, however, and he feels that he "has to" win a second championship in order to be respected. How might Horney explain the athlete's behavior?

Neurotic needs, as defined by psychoanalyst Karen Horney, represent the compulsions that can dominate an individual's personality. For instance, the professional athlete's relentless pursuit of victory, despite having already secured a world championship title, illustrates a potent manifestation of such a need. In Horney's theory, neurotic needs typically arise from past experiences, often in childhood, and sit at the heart of one's motivations.

Specifically, one might develop a need for achievement, power, or a craving for admiration and respect from others. In our athlete's case, the compulsion is likely tied to a need for affirmation and recognition. Winning once may not be enough because the neurotic need is irrational and insatiable – it demands continuous validation. This concept helps us understand why accolades, once received, don't always quench the psychological 'thirst' certain individuals feel.

The 'Tyranny of the Should' goes hand-in-hand with neurotic needs by illustrating how individuals can become enslaved to their own unrealistic expectations. Horney posited that these internal dictums - the 'shoulds' and 'musts', derived from our idealized self-image - can create an oppressive psychological environment. The athlete's belief that he must win a second championship is emblematic of this internal struggle.

The phrase highlights the athlete's predicament as he falls prey to his own stringent rules for self-worth and respect. The 'Tyranny of the Should' reveals itself not just in the domain of competitive sports but in many aspects of life where individuals struggle under the weight of their own inflexible standards, often leading to stress and burnout.

‘Competitive Achievement’, another cornerstone of Horney's theories, is particularly relevant in the context of high-stakes environments like professional sports. It involves an individual's drive to be the best, often rooted in neurotic needs. The athlete's behavior demonstrates a relentless pursuit of this goal. It's noteworthy that this drive, while beneficial for reaching new heights, can also become all-consuming.

For individuals driven by competitive achievement, it is the victory, and the ascension in others' eyes, that compels them. However, a win is not just a win; it's a confirmation of their worth. When an individual like the athlete compulsively seeks competitive success, it can become a never-ending cycle, as each achievement only sets the stage for the next challenge, leaving little room for contentment.

Internalised pressure, the fuel behind the ‘Tyranny of the Should’, refers to the psychological stress that one places upon oneself to meet self-imposed standards or goals. It's a form of pressure that comes from within, as opposed to external demands or societal expectations. In our athlete's story, after winning his first world championship, the internalized notion that he has to win again to maintain or bolster respect is a clear example.

This pressure can lead to a host of problems such as anxiety, perfectionism, and even a diminished ability to enjoy one's successes. It's a silent driver that often goes unnoticed, pushing individuals to place excessive demands on themselves, even in the absence of external pressures. Understanding and managing this internal narrative is crucial for mental well-being and long-term success.