I’ve always resented that “perfectionism” seems to be a dirty word, when it seems to be the quality that makes so many people exactly who they are. Many of the people I work with (myself included) are individuals who inherently enjoy the process of making things better. Perfectionism is a double edged sword. A blessing and a curse. The quality that makes you the best gift-giver in your family is also the quality that keeps you up at night, obsessing about your performance review at work. While it drives you to excel, it also leads you down a rabbit hole of stress and self-doubt. The challenge for perfectionists is not to stop being perfectionistic. Rather, it is to learn how to direct your desire for perfection away from being attached to a fixed end result, and instead focusing on the joy of the process.

Focus on the Process: Often, our desire for perfection is tied to a fixed end result. We envision a perfect outcome, and anything short of that feels like a failure. Focus your your desire for perfection towards finding joy in the process itself, rather than fixating solely on the destination. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life, where perfection is no longer the goal, but rather a byproduct of a life well-lived.

Embrace Imperfection: It is crucial to understand that perfection is an illusion. Life is messy, unpredictable, and beautifully imperfect. Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity; it means acknowledging our humanity and giving ourselves the grace to make mistakes. Remember, even the most successful people have had their fair share of failures. What matters is how we learn and grow from those experiences.

Set Realistic Goals: Setting sky-high expectations can set us up for disappointment. Instead, break your goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and remember that progress is progress, no matter how small. Setting realistic goals helps in building confidence and maintains motivation, keeping the journey towards excellence enjoyable and sustainable.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be your own cheerleader, not your harshest critic. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a close friend in your shoes. Self-compassion is about recognizing our worth, irrespective of our achievements or failures. It’s about saying, “Hey, I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”

Learn to Let Go: Perfectionism often stems from a desire to control everything, but the truth is, we can’t control everything. And that’s okay! Learn to let go of the need for control and embrace flexibility. Life’s uncertainties can bring about unexpected opportunities and experiences that we might miss out on if we’re too fixated on a perfect plan.

Prioritize Self-Care: In the hustle and bustle of chasing perfection, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax and unwind. As a perfectionist, relaxation might look different for you. If you struggle to be still, embrace active forms of resetting, like cleaning or organizing. When our bodies and minds are well-rested and taken care of, we’re better equipped to tackle challenges and maintain a balanced perspective.

Seek Support: You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Talk about your struggles with friends, family, or a hi, me! Sometimes, just voicing out our thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and help in alleviating the pressure we put on ourselves.

Celebrate Imperfections: Instead of hiding or being ashamed of our imperfections, let’s celebrate them! They make us unique, relatable, and human. Share your real, unfiltered self with the world, and you’ll find that people appreciate authenticity more than perfection.

Managing perfectionism is a continuous journey, and it’s all about finding that sweet spot where we can strive for excellence without sacrificing our well-being. Remember, you are enough, just as you are. So, take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and step into the world with confidence and grace.