6 Ways to Overcome Perfectionism

Oh perfectionism. We wear it as a badge of honor. We make jokes about it. But the truth is that perfectionism becomes a shackling behavior that entraps us to a life of never feeling like we're enough. Perfectionism doesn't steal our joy, it just moves it higher and higher beyond reach, keeping you grasping and striving but never catching it. Perfectionism makes promises it will never pay out. It's time to bust through the constraints of perfectionism to live the life that was meant for you, messy and masterful.

6 Ways to Overcome Perfectionism

1. Learn about why perfectionism is bad for you.

A new study from the Journal of Health Psychology revealed that perfectionism may shorten an individual's lifespan. It is easy to focus on the benefits of being perfect: it helps eliminate mistakes that may hurt us. However, we overlook the drawbacks that come with the stress of reaching an unattainable standard.

2. Focus on the positive.

Perfectionism is a tool to save us from the negative things we focus on. Shifting our focus to positive things going on can give us relief from negativity and the need to be saved from it.

3. Purposelessly do things you enjoy but you're not good at.

I enjoy painting but I am terrible at it! When I paint, I feel bad at it but I know that it doesn't change my worth. It's an exercise in sitting in my mediocrity, yet knowing that I am okay. And I can enjoy things for the sake of doing them, not for what the end product will turn out to be.

4. Challenge the benefits you believe you get from perfectionism.

You may have a few reasons why you want to stay perfect, at least with a couple things. You may be afraid of getting fired, losing someone's affection, or feeling "less than." Complete a cost/benefit analysis to take a deeper dive into the benefits and drawbacks to some of the perfectionistic traits you hold onto.

5. Don't become a perfectionist at stopping your perfectionism.

Perfectionists often set lofty goals and want to do the same with their self-help. Instead of big goals like, "Stop caring about the tasks at work," try "Transition from work tasks to home tasks at 5 pm."

6. Remember that perfectionism is an illusion.

Perfectionism is not a real destination and the more we remember that, the more we'll let ourselves off the hook and just enjoy the journey.

Want more ways to continue your self-growth? Check out these free resources here!