Perfectionism isn’t always bad. It can motivate you and help you set and reach goals. However, it can turn into a bad thing very quickly.
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. – Anne Lamott
I often find myself feeling like I could (and should) be more.
Perfectionism creeps in
For example, I could get even better grades at school, I could be a better friend, a better sister, daughter…the list goes on and on. Ever feel the same?
It’s great to have goals and ambitions. But don’t let them overshadow all the wonderful things going on around you. Because, if you do, you’ll miss all the fun and be blind to the beauty of life itself.
And always remember that you are enough.
Just as you are. It’s okay to not be the best at everything. And while it’s fine to push yourself sometimes, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the little things.
Shift your thinking away from perfectionism
Instead of thinking, “What an awful day. I could have done blah blah blah better” Switch that to, “Well, it wasn’t the best day ever, but I got through it. And life has its ups and downs.”
Change the thoughts of, “I’m such a bad person because I couldn’t do X or Y” to “That’s fine because I can do A and B and I’m working towards being capable of more,” or “I did the best I could and that is ok.”
Remember that your mind is a powerful thing.
Even if you don’t believe yourself at first, these messages will start to sink in.
And you’re not alone in your perfectionism struggles! A lot of people (including me) wrestle with finding the balance between perfectionist tendencies and giving themselves grace.
So just try to keep making small changes, take it easy, give yourself some grace, and enjoy all you can.
