Through my work as a psychologist who focuses on supporting people with anxiety, depression, burnout, panic attacks & stress, I was flabbergasted to see how many of the people I work with have a perfectionist mindset: more than 90%!
Making this discovery led me to ask the question, ‘How can we begin to overcome this unhealthy habit?’
One of the first things that people usually ask me when I talk about perfectionism is:
“And what’s wrong with being a perfectionist and wanting to grow/ excel/ become better/ achieve more?”
Nothing! There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to grow.
However, that’s not the same as being a perfectionist!
And the harsh truth is, whether you believe it or not, being a perfectionist doesn’t necessarily mean you are growing.
Actually, the opposite is more likely true: many perfectionists sabotage their growth, are slow or late in their progress, or often make wrong decisions and waste time lingering and thinking rather than evaluating and moving on.
Perfectionism says: “Why do you waste all this time resting? This is not productive! Work is productive.”
Perfectionism says: "You are not trying enough.”
Perfectionism says: "Look at the past - so many mistakes. Look at the future - you're gonna fail.”
Perfectionism says: "Your worth is your work and your achievements.”
Perfectionism intimidates. It depletes your sense of worth, and compares you to others constantly. It tells you that you will NEVER be able to change.