How To Stop Being A Perfectionist

Perfectionists are their own worst enemies. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting everything to be perfect, but they aren’t. You may be asking yourself, “Am I a perfectionist?” If you identify yourself as one, it means you have this uncontrollable urge to want everything to be perfect or complete.

Your ability to perform at a higher level than most people around you makes you feel special. At one point, however, when this feeling is left uncontrolled, you may demand the same high standards from everyone else.

This is when the idea of perfection becomes a problem. Are you a perfectionist? If you are, then you better read along to find out how you can stop being one. 

When Does Perfectionism Become A Problem?

Being a perfectionist is not a problem at all. In fact, it is considered as an edge against others who are not perfectionists. 

Those who desire perfection at all times always exert more effort in everything they do. They engage in the activity with a clear goal in mind: they have to finish it with utmost perfection. They serve as an inspiration to the people around them. It is as if everyone wants to be as perfect as every perfectionist.

However, perfectionism becomes a problem when it begins to get in the way of your relationships with the people around you. Sometimes, your desire to be perfect makes you demand that others work at the same pace as you do. 

But every person is different. They work in various capacities too. Perfectionism turns into a problem when you find yourself under a lot of stress because you want everything done right. 

You may choose to be perfect in your career, but have to spend more time repairing your relationship with the people you love. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice an excellent performance at work, because you want to be there for your loved ones when they need you. 

You are dealing with that unrelenting voice inside of you that urges you to work harder. But then, it is the same voice that tells you that your efforts are not enough. 

If you have been feeling burnt out mentally and emotionally, you need to stop doing what you are doing. 

How Perfectionists Can Sustain The Drive To Be More

Are you feeling exhausted for trying so hard to deal with emotional perfectionism? Take a moment to allow yourself to commit mistakes and just not to be perfect. It is the only way to help you live a better life. 

While there is no overcoming perfectionism book, there are plenty of ways you can start your journey to doing just that. The first step is to take on the responsibility for your actions. After that, here are some tips to help you along with that journey.

Tip 1: Create realistic goals

Never expect anything that you know is impossible to do. But every perfectionist makes this mistake again and again. How do you make it stop?

You have already done enough to make some progress in reaching your goals. But first, you must look back at the goals you have set for yourself. 

Are they realistic within the given time frame? Are they actually doable? By setting more realistic goals, you can set the energy just right. You can eliminate all the extra energy that only goes to the aspect of your being that attempts for the impossible. Achieve a more balanced lifestyle by allowing yourself to manage your expectations and not wish for the impossible to happen. 

Tip 2: Always challenge negative thoughts

How motivated are you in completing the task? When it seems you lack the motivation to keep on doing the task, it is important to find inspiration around you. Do not let your negative thoughts overpower you.

The lack of motivation can lead to your ultimate demise, so don’t let it take control of you. It is best to seek positive feedback to help you achieve your goals, rather than letting your inner voice take control and wreak havoc on your emotional well-being.

Amplify your intuition to do good and be a better version of yourself. Mute that aspect of your being that says you can’t do it. Allow positivity to propel your life. The road to success is never easy, but you can traverse it at your own pace.

Tip 3: Always prioritize self-care

While perfectionism is something you can do for yourself, be very careful who you help. Helping others be the best version of themselves always comes with good intentions, but they turn bad when it means forgetting about your own self-care. 

Instead, reconnect with yourself. Start a new hobby or do activities that bring about the best in you. When you prioritize self-care, you know that being a perfectionist is all about loving yourself more than anything or anyone. 

Tip 4: Learn to say “No”

One of the main problems of perfectionism is saying NO to opportunities that present themselves at the wrong time. While it is tempting to do everything all at the same time, they are not worth it. No bragging rights will ever be worthy of your peace of mind. 

Setting healthy boundaries is very important in sustaining your mental and emotional stability. Learn to say NO to all the extra tasks that come your way. Focus on what you are doing and be good at it. No matter how passionate you are about the task, it is not worth sacrificing your mental health. 

At the end of the day, your perfectionist self should learn only to take on what truly matters. 

Tip 5: Trust yourself

When will the task ever get done? You have what it takes to complete it, so trust yourself. Even if it means staying up all night and not doing anything else but the task, you can do it. 

Use your knowledge and skills and put them into good use. More than anything, you need to teach yourself to trust that you can be anything you want to be. 

Perfectionism may make you want to do more, and you can. But never forget that you need to do things to protect your emotional and mental well-being too. 

How To Deal With Perfectionism?

Adjust your expectations. Wanting to be perfect is good, but allowing yourself, some room for mistakes can also be useful. It will teach you the value of hard work that you put on a task. 

The sooner you can adjust your expectations, and the quicker you become better than yesterday.