My Dis-ease of Perfectionism
No one actually told me growing up I “Had to be Perfect.” So where did I get that idea? Perhaps being the youngest of three girls, I watched, listened and learned. I would get everything right and would be the “Perfect” one. I watched as my two sisters got into trouble and hid out, witnessing their outcomes. No way was I going down that rabbit hole.
I tried, I really did.
But guess where it got me? Two hospitalizations and 12 ECT treatments. More on that another time. For now, I am here to offer you 5 ways to Renounce Perfectionism!
- Consider your past mistakes. If you hadn’t had made many of them, I’ll bet you wouldn’t be where you are today. You Learned by Not being Perfect!
- Perfectionism is an unattainable goal. You will never be entirely perfect. Instead look in the mirror with compassion for yourself which will lead to compassion for others. After all, have you ever met a perfect person?
A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.
“Christopher K. Germer”
3. Perfectionism leads to judgment for self and others. You are uniquely you in so many ways. List the things you really love about yourself and keep this list handy where you can see it!
4. When you fall down do not berate yourself. Pick yourself up and make one small directional change. You are courageous!
5. Watch the “self-talk.” With so many negative thoughts running through our brains, cut yourself some slack. You and everyone else are doing the best you can! Forgiveness is key.