Why I hear you ask? ”What’s wrong with having high standards, a desire to improve and having fun in the process?”. That’s the adaptive type of perfectionism, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it still can come with its problems.
Maladaptive perfectionism is the one to watch out for. You are never satisfied with what you achieve and, if something isn’t perfect, you dismiss it.
Take the test…
Where did you come in the scale? Is it something you want to change?
There are times when we do need to get it perfect, but it’s all about the stakes. First, ask yourself, what are the implications? Are lives at risk? I can tell you now, and you know this…if you are worried about your reputation for getting things done, then focus on progress.
Something that is far more important than how you are perceived; is how you feel about yourself. If you think perfectionism is holding you back, even in a small way, explore its origins. Where has this come from? When did you start to notice it? Is it from a fear of failure? Or perhaps a desire to prove yourself? Or perhaps you just don’t feel worthy, or good enough? It’s more common than you think.
In the daily practice, I ask you to look in the mirror every morning and say to yourself ‘I deserve to feel good enough’. It’s a small gesture of affirmation that is proven to work. It might feel a little weird at first, but be persistent…repetition holds the key to believing it.
Small steps, big changes; an exercise you might like to try.
Daily practice: every morning, look in the mirror and say out loud ‘I deserve to feel that I am enough’. Have reminder on or near your mirror.
Top 3 benefits: reduced fear of failure, get more done and create space for creativity
To learn more; I have shared some links on resources that I think may be useful to you below.
Useful links
Perfectionism holding you back? 3 ways to shift the habit | (ted.com)
Perfectionism – Overcoming All-or-Nothing Thinking (mindtools.com)
Don’t Let Perfection Be the Enemy of Productivity (hbr.org)
These insights are shared in the spirit of creating awareness of ways we can unlock our human potential and grow a sustainable sense of positive wellbeing. If it brings up emotions that are unsettling, talk to someone close to you or a professional.
