How to Overcome Perfectionism and It’s Effects

Have you ever seen somebody who always procrastinates to do something, because if they do it, it has to be ‘perfect’? Or are you thinking about How to Overcome Perfectionism and its effects?

There might be a high chance, the person might be a perfectionist. A perfectionist is someone who always tries to be flawless and never feels satisfied unless everything is perfect. Even though perfectionism has a bright side, it also has a dark side.

Perfectionism may seem like strength but beneath all the glamour there lies a dark side that sabotages and chokes success and wellbeing. Understanding how perfectionism works and how it is blocking your path to success can bring out significant results of success in your life.

Six signs of a person with a perfectionist attitude:

1. Overthinking:

They overthink every little thing, about what people said or what they said to others.

2. Procrastination:

The fear of not being able to do it perfectly leads to delaying tasks.

3. Difficulty completing tasks:

They tweak and twist everything, in the fear of it not being good enough

4. Micromanaging:

Perfectionists micromanage people because they think it won’t be good enough unless they do it.

5. Poor decision-making:

These people are poor decision-makers, cause they are afraid of not making the best decisions possible.

6. Difficulty accepting Compliments:

Perfectionists often downplay or dismiss compliments, believing they don’t truly deserve them or that their work isn’t as good as others perceive it to be.

The Hidden Costs of Being a Perfectionist:

1. Paralysis by Analysis: Overthinking

People with a perfectionist attitude tend to overthink every little thing and have a fear of failure or of making a mistake. They struggle with decision-making because they often wonder, “What if there’s something better than what I am choosing right now?” They spend hours researching and asking many people about a product before making a purchase.

2. Procrastination: Delaying the process of doing things.

The fear of not being able to meet the high standards they set for themselves, causes them to procrastinate. The striving to be perfect causes them to avoid doing the tasks completely. The avoidance not only stunts your success or productivity but also increases the tension and pressure when the deadline comes closer.

3. Burnout or Exhaustion: Overwhelmed

The relentless pursuit of Perfectionism ultimately causes burnout or Exhaustion. The constant pressure to achieve perfect results every time drains them of their mental and physical energy. This constant Feeling leaves them overwhelmed and unmotivated to do anything.

4. The feeling of Incompleteness: ” It’s not good enough ”

Perfectionists always have a sense of not being good enough, or something not right, which leads to them trying many things only to feel the same way again. No matter how much they accomplish they still have a feeling of discontent over their life. Even if others appreciate them they self-critic themselves and never feel good enough.

5. Excessive self-criticism: Demeaning their self

Perfectionists are often their own harshest critics. Instead of recognizing achievements, they focus on what went wrong or what could be better. This self-criticism erodes self-esteem and inevitably leads to depression, low self-esteem, or anxiety.

If you resonate with this or feel somebody you know might be a perfectionist, Don’t worry, it is easy to come out of perfectionism. Here are the 5 goals you can set for yourself, that will help you move forward with this recovery journey.

I want you to embrace your perfectionism but also embrace it in a healthy way for you and the people you are with.

Ways to Overcome Perfectionist Attitude:

1. Set Realistic Goals

Don’t set impossible goals like writing an impeccable blog, that no one can find a mistake about, or baking a cake that even the world’s best 5-star Michelin chef can’t find a mistake. But rather do a favor for me, be kind to yourself, and set achievable goals, about which you can be proud.

2. Love yourself the way you would love another person

let’s say your friend can’t write fantastic essays like you and is lagging. You wouldn’t go and criticize her and demean her, saying things like ” You’ll never be good enough” or ” You are not brilliant enough”. But rather you would sit and comfort her and help her feel better while also helping her write better.

Do the same with yourself, sit and tell yourself ” It’s okay if I can’t do this perfectly, I won’t be hard on myself” Take this decision not to be so hard on yourself all the time, appreciate yourself, and feel proud of yourself.

3. Take Risk

Take some risks, even if it means the results won’t be as perfect as you pictured in your mind. When taking a risk ask yourself “What’s the worst that could happen?”. It’s okay if the room isn’t as clean as you want it to be, or if the food you made isn’t as good as you thought it would be. Try new recipes, a new gym routine, or a different item on the menu, it’s okay if you don’t like it. Just try it.

Overcoming perfectionism involves embracing imperfection, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-compassion. By accepting that mistakes are a natural part of growth and focusing on progress rather than flawlessness, you can reduce stress and unlock your true potential. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but making steady, meaningful progress.

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