Hello Dah-ling! If you’re anything like me, ya know a thing or two about being a perfectionist.
Wanna know what I think sucks about perfectionism? How about just one of the many, many things on that list? Perfectionism is a never-ending quest for something that doesn’t exist.
And it's freaking exhausting.
Perfect: Protection or Performance?
Underneath it all, perfectionism is a way of deflecting the fear of failure. Read that one again and let it sink in because it is the absolute truth.
Perfect is just wrapping paper for our fear of failure. Think of it as a performance put on for the outside world that keeps one from the authentic self.
We might be telling ourselves that if we can just make everything perfect, then …
we’ll be successful, we’ll be happy, we’ll be yada yada yada.
Well, guess what? That’s untrue garbage.
What is perfectionism, really?
The truth is, perfectionist tendencies are a form of self-sabotage. They are a way of holding back from one’s true potential.
So if you have some perfectionist tendencies in you, here are three truths you need to know:
Perfectionism is a fallacy. There is no such thing as perfect. So stop chasing that elusive ideal and start embracing your imperfections. They’re what make you unique and special.
Perfectionism is exhausting. It’s time to let go of the need to be perfect and give yourself permission to relax and be imperfect. Life is too short to stress about things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
Perfectionism is not the same thing as working on goals, or practicing, or prepping.
alternatives to perfectionism
So what’s a more helpful perspective? Imperfect progress! Allowing yourself to be perfectly imperfect! Choosing to walk your own path!
So you freakin’ fabulous being you, next time you find yourself caught in the perfectionism trap, remember the three things we explored above.
And, most importantly, remember that you are perfectly imperfect just the way you are.
