Perfectionism: How to overcome it to live a better life

Have you ever delivered something you had to do but didn’t feel very well because you had the impression that you did not do…perfect? Are you nervous just by thinking some people will ask you do something and you will not do it…perfectly? If you answered “yes” to the above questions then you are probably “suffering” from perfectionism. Perfectionists do not want to make mistakes, they have specific rules according to which they want things to be done and they are very hard on themselves. It’s not bad to want to do things the right way. However, when you are a perfectionist you go off limits and instead of feeling pleasure when you do something you feel you have failed for no reason. Below, you can find some simple tips to help you deal with extreme perfectionism. -It is the effort that matters, not the result. Okay, you may not have achieved a goal that you worked hard for but think that at least you tried. Do not associate failure with the value you have as an individual. -Perfectionists usually do not love themselves and always accuse them. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are human and humans make mistakes. What you need to do first is love and appreciate yourself! -Recognize the perfectionist tendencies you have. Only then will you begin to realize that you are «walking» the wrong path. -Perfectionists have low self-esteem because they take criticism personally. Recognize that constructive criticism will help you learn and evolve and accept it. -Perfectionists usually postpone starting something because they are afraid that they will not do it right. This can increase their stress in the long term. The start is always difficult but instead of not starting at all, do a basic outline of the work in the first stage. Remember that although in the beginning your work may not be good you will improve if you keep trying! -If you realise that your perfectionism is over the top then you should probably ask for help. Therapy will change your way of thinking and you will find out what is hidden behind all those perfectionist tendencies. Giota Florou Sources: iatronet.gr, oregoncounseling.com Recent Articles