Positivity Portal

Perfectionism is a concept that often makes us think of the pursuit of doing things completely flawlessly or achieving unrealistically high standards. It can be always wanting to be the best at everything, avoiding failure at all costs, or having difficulty being satisfied with oneself or one’s work if it’s not “perfect”.

But what really drives this pursuit of perfection? Often, it’s a fear of being judged by others, a fear of failure or not being good enough, or wanting to control everything in one’s life to avoid uncertainty and discomfort.

But is perfectionism really that bad? Despite leading to some level of success and achievement, it also has its downsides. Perfectionism can lead to excessive stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense of inadequacy. It can hinder us from taking risks and experimenting, which in turn limits our personal and professional growth. Additionally, perfectionism can lead to never feeling truly satisfied or happy, as we’re always striving for something that’s impossible to achieve – perfection.

So how do you stop being a perfectionist? It’s a process that requires awareness, self-reflection, and sometimes professional help. Here are some steps that can help:

1. Identify your thought patterns: Become aware of your thoughts and behaviors linked to perfectionism. When do you feel pressured to be perfect? What are the fears behind this pursuit?
2. Challenge your thoughts: Ask yourself if your high standards are really realistic and if they’re truly worth striving for. Challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic and balanced perspectives.
3. Accept imperfection: Learn to accept and embrace your flaws and mistakes as a natural part of life and the learning process. Understand that nobody is perfect and that it’s okay to be human.
4. Set reasonable goals: Instead of setting unrealistically high standards for yourself, set achievable and measurable goals that are possible to reach. Reward yourself when you achieve these goals, even if it’s not perfect.
5. Take breaks and be kind to yourself: Give yourself permission to take breaks and rest when needed. Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would with a friend.

It’s important to be patient and kind to yourself during the process to stop being a perfectionist. By working on challenging your thought patterns, accepting imperfection, and setting reasonable goals, you can gradually reduce the influence of perfectionism on your life and achieve a greater sense of freedom and well-being.