avatarK. Barrett

Summary

The author reflects on personal experiences with perfectionism and the cognitive distortion of thinking in extremes, acknowledging the need to embrace a more balanced mindset.

Abstract

The article titled "Perfectionism Split My Mind" delves into the author's struggle with dichotomous thinking, a pattern of perceiving situations in only two categories, such as right or wrong, success or failure. This black-and-white mentality has been a significant part of the author's life, dictating a relentless pursuit of perfection. Recognizing this as a cognitive distortion, the author decides to break free from the extreme expectations and allow for flexibility and self-compassion. The narrative concludes with the author's commitment to rejoin a life filled with various shades of experience, away from the self-imposed pressure of perfectionism.

Opinions

  • The author identifies extreme thinking as a detrimental force in their life, causing a split in their perception of self and experiences.
  • Perfectionism is portrayed as a relentless drive that leaves no room for error or deviation from an idealized plan.
  • There is an acknowledgment that while occasional extreme thinking is normal, excessive reliance on such patterns constitutes a cognitive distortion.
  • The author expresses a personal transformation, moving away from the extremes of perfectionism towards a more balanced and accepting approach to life.
  • Gratitude is expressed towards Diana C. for providing the prompt that inspired the self-reflective journey described in the article.

Perfectionism Split My Mind

Know Thyself, Heal Thyself Wednesday Prompt: What experiences make me split and polarize my thinking into black and white?

Photo-K.Barret, author

It comes by many names, thinking in extremes Black and white, polarized, dichotomous Normal on occasion — too much is a cognitive distortion

It may be fight or flight Wrong or right Something on two opposite ends Which end it depends

That is where I see me-where my days have been spent But for you, it is ok to be in the middle Or closer to one end a little Happy or sad, mad or glad You are free to pick where you stand It’s ok wherever you land

For me on the other hand I have perfection in mind for my plan No room to slide from side to side Just exactly at that one destination perfection —my exclamation

The voice in my head is directing me away From any attempt that may Bring me to stay For one moment of the day To a place that’s not perfect But what you find is a wreck The furthest from perfect one could get

I’m happy to say I will no longer lay My expectations of me At the extreme end I will flex and bend I will set myself free No longer my own bully

I am back to join you in a beautiful life That has many layers, stripes, and colors And much less internal strife

Thanks, 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. fro the prompt: Wednesday- What experiences make me split and polarize my thinking into black and white?

Thanks for reading!

Know Thyself Heal Thyself
Poetry
Poem
Life
Life Lessons
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