Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can motivate you to strive for excellence and achieve great things. On the other hand, it can be a burden that weighs you down and prevents you from enjoying life. If you are a perfectionist, you may find that your desire to be perfect makes you feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. Perfectionism can lead to low self-esteem and also burnout, due to the need to always be perfect. Fortunately, it is possible to focus on overcoming perfectionism and live a more fulfilling life. If you or a loved one struggle with perfectionism, read below on steps to address perfectionism.
The first step in overcoming perfectionism is to recognize that it is a problem. If you are a perfectionist, you may not even realize it. You may think that your desire for perfection is normal and healthy. However, if your pursuit of perfection is causing you to feel unhappy, stressed, or overwhelmed, it may be time to take a step back and examine your behavior.
One of the most effective ways at overcoming perfectionism is to reframe your thinking. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for excellence. Excellence is a more attainable goal than perfection, and it allows for mistakes and imperfections. When you strive for excellence, you focus on doing your best and improving over time. You accept that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process, and you use them as opportunities to grow and improve.
Another way to overcome perfectionism is to set realistic goals. Perfectionists often set goals that are unrealistic and impossible to achieve. This sets them up for failure and disappointment, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Instead of setting goals that are based on perfection, set goals that are based on progress. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and focus on making steady progress over time.
It is also important to learn how to accept compliments and praise. Perfectionists often have a hard time accepting compliments because they feel that they have not done enough or that they could have done better. Learning to accept compliments and praise graciously can help you build self-confidence and self-esteem.
Another way to overcome perfectionism is to learn how to manage your emotions. Perfectionists often feel anxious and stressed because they are afraid of making mistakes or failing. Learning how to manage your emotions can help you feel more relaxed and confident. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can all be effective tools for managing your emotions.
Finally, it is important to remember that perfectionism is not a character flaw. It is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. With practice and persistence, you can overcome perfectionism and live a more fulfilling life. So, take a deep breath, let go of your need for perfection, and focus on progress, not perfection. You will be amazed at how much happier and more successful you can be.
Signs that you struggle with perfectionism:
- Feeling pressured to do the best
- An extreme fear of failure
- Feeling high levels of pressure and self-doubt
- Not allowing yourself to make mistakes
- All or nothing thinking
- Being extremely critical of yourself
- Having unrealistic standards
When we are perfectionists, it can make life very difficult. Although it can push us to achieve great things, it can also burn us out, increase anxiety, lower our self-worth, and much more. Focus on your perfectionism and create more realistic expectations for yourself. No one is perfect, so breathe and let yourself make necessary mistakes or missteps. Identify where your perfectionism is coming from and where you want to be with your perfectionism in order to live a healthier and more fulfilled life. If you struggle with perfectionism, therapy is a great tool.
