Ten Things Every Perfectionist Needs to Know

Simply + Fiercely

To be able to let go of my perfectionism, I needed to get back to the basics. I needed to unpeel the layers to get to the truth of what perfectionism is and how it affects myself and those around me.

Today, I want to share with you the truths I learned along the way so that you don’t have to go through the same struggles I did when overcoming your perfectionism.

Let’s start with the hard part. These five difficult truths about perfectionism may not be pleasant to hear, but they must be heard all the same.

Perfectionism turns you into a people-pleasing hustler. You’re trying to control how people perceive you or the work you do. But it doesn’t work that way. You can’t make other people like you.

TRUTH #1: PERFECTIONISM IS NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR

Being a perfectionist means you’re externally motivated and focused on the other: ‘What will they think? Will they like me? Will they think my effort is good enough?’

TRUTH #2: PERFECTIONISM IS NOT THE SAME AS STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Perfectionism leads you down one road and one road only: comparison, procrastination, and overwhelm. It doesn’t help you achieve your goals. It holds you back and hinders growth and achievement.

TRUTH #3: PERFECTIONISM IS NOT THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Perfectionists don’t only set unattainable goals, but they also have very strict standards. There’s only one way to do things right so that one way is the way to go.

TRUTH #4: PERFECTIONISM MAKES YOU HOLD ON TO ALL THE WRONG THINGS

The quest for perfection causes some of life’s worst mental problems because it makes life’s imperfections into bothersome, intimidating, and unsurpassable roadblocks.

TRUTH #5: PERFECTIONISM LEADS TO ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

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