Being addicted to perfection has its benefits. It means you genuinely care about improving and just want to do your best. But what happens when we don’t achieve the results we desire, do we get hard on ourselves or others for that matter. When we desperately want control over outcomes how do we stay steady in the storm. 

Life’s not a competition, improve upon your best, even if it doesn’t happen all at once for you, you’ll get there in time. “Growth comes from consistent, small actions rather than flawless execution.” [1] The better you know yourself and your limits the easier it will be to improve without giving up entirely simply for the sake of perfection. “Life is a personal journey focused on progress, authenticity, and enjoying the moment, rather than a competition for perfection.” [2] 

It’s okay to care about improving and improving the lives around you. Sometimes it takes a strong detail oriented person to make things happen in the positive in life. It’s okay to be one of those people, high achiever or not. But are we setting unreasonable standards for ourselves? Sometimes the “compulsive pursuit of unreachable standards are driven by deep-seated fears of inadequacy, shame, or a need for control.” [3]

When we want what’s best to what length are we willing to take to make things happen for us in life whether it’s getting a new job we love, being in a relationship that makes us feel fulfilled, or hitting the gym and expecting immediate results. Sometimes it’s change that we think we need to be happy. Sometimes it’s about insecurity and self-worth wanting acceptance from others. First we need to accept and love ourselves without worrying about being picked for jobs or relationships. Who doesn’t want to be picked in life, the right people will come into your life simply being yourself, perfect or not. There has to be more than perfection that makes us feel good about ourselves, don’t get frustrated, they always say progress not perfection.

If we encounter failure how are you going to overcome those circumstances without feeling defeated by seemingly feeling imperfect. Are we able to embrace those imperfections as well. “Overcoming it requires self-compassion, accepting mistakes, and replacing rigid demands with healthy excellence.” [4]

References:

[1] perfection lifes not a competition – Google Search

[2] perfection lifes not a competition – Google Search

[3] 10 Signs You May Be Addicted to Perfectionism with Journaling Prompts

[4] 10 Signs You May Be Addicted to Perfectionism with Journaling Prompts