Discover why I broke up with perfectionism. Be aware of the 5 reasons why you should do the same to become more productive.
I broke up with perfectionism because of a very simple reason: perfection is a myth.
We can (and should always) do our best to improve our skills.
To be able to live up to our Potential there must be a sincere effort in becoming better:
- professionals
- partners
- parents
- teachers
- students
- friends
In other words, there must be a desire to become a better version of ourselves in all scopes of our life to achieve our Goals.
But being the best you can be isn’t the same of being perfect. Our perfection is only RELATIVE.
No matter how incredible you are, you’ll never be able to become something that doesn’t exist.
So why waste so much time and energy with the impossible?
The perfect pressure
“There’s only one first place.”
While this affirmation is right, there’s no shame in being second or third if you know you have honestly given all you got.
Of course that everyone wants a gold medal, but generally, the difference between performances is just a fraction of a second or even a moment of luck.
Sometimes something as simple as having a good day is what makes the whole difference.
I’m not saying anything new here, am I?
We all know that! Yet, we still feel obliged to comply.
The truth though is that perfection is nothing but another urban legend just like multitasking…
So yeah, I broke up with perfectionism because I realized my focus wasn’t in the right place.
The worst part is that I was:
- Tense all the time.
- Worrying too much.
- Doubting myself.
- Becoming a bitter person.
To be more productive, however, I needed to manage my emotions better.
Why you should break up with perfectionism
Let’s have a look at 5 main reasons why should let go of perfection right now.
1. Procrastination
Starting with the negative practical aspect of perfectionism: procrastination.
If you think your email or project is never good enough, you don’t hit the send button.
You continuously postpone finishing assignments for what you think to be a good reason.
However, you forget to take into consideration other people’s deadlines and responsibilities.
Why perfectionism is bad for your productivity and how to stop it! #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To TweetYour eternal search for perfect results may be destroying your career and the trust of others in you without you even realizing it.
2. Hesitation
One thing leads to another…
If you don’t trust the quality of your work, you don’t trust yourself.
Lack of self-esteem can be the cause of your so-called perfectionism.
In other words, your endless search for the impossible is just the way your mind is manifesting your lack of confidence.
If you have already noticed the lack of assertiveness in other aspects of your life, this may a red flag you need to start working on.
An easy way to do it is with affirmations.
3. Stress
Our friend again!
Stress is everywhere where there’s pressure.
It couldn’t be any different with perfectionism.
We create this madness around our tasks, actions, and responsibilities that blocks us and causes a lot of damage to our performance and health.
You may not notice it right away, but your perfectionism has been stressing you for nothing!
4. Anxiety
Whether it’s an assigned task for your work or a family dinner for your kid’s birthday, if you hope to make it perfect, you’ll get anxious.
All brides go through when planning their wedding.
It costs them:
- Sleepless nights.
- Weight loss.
- Extra changes on the dress.
- Missing the fun of one of the happiest days in their life.
Certain isolated events may cause you nervousness, but it can also become chronic.
Whichever the case, anxiety shouldn’t be taken lightly.
5. Depression
How do you feel when you work your best but you don’t seem to get satisfied with the results of your efforts?
Hopefully, it’s not your case, but that’s how some depressions start.
Its effects aren’t always evident, but when nobody is watching, it’s not rare to find perfectionists losing themselves in despair for not being able to reach their self-imposed standards.
In more severe cases, perfectionism becomes the trigger for depressions.
Learn more about depression and make sure you don’t fall into its trap.
Getting over the habit of perfectionism
As in all relationships, breaking up is just one step.
You don’t forget old habits just because you don’t want them in your life anymore.
It’s no different when it comes to perfectionism.
While I broke up with it, it doesn’t mean I don’t catch myself aiming for the impossible from time to time.
Instead of enjoying the processes I’m involved with, I feel grumpy about them.
It takes patience to accept:
- Where we are.
- What we have to do.
- The time needed to get there.
And that’s OK!
If you need help, support, and accountability, come on over and join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
Are you a perfectionist?
