Life Lesson #2: Perfectionism is a Trap
As a Type-A perfectionist, I know all too well how easy it is to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. But perfectionism is a trap. It can lead to unnecessary stress, procrastination, and missed opportunities.
In this post, I share why perfectionism is so harmful, and how to break free from its grip. I also offer a simple exercise to help you identify one aspiration you have and take a small step towards achieving it.
Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism can lead to unnecessary stress and make things harder than they need to be.
We often make things too hard for ourselves and others.
It is possible to achieve our goals, but we need to focus on taking small, achievable steps.
As an aware Type-A perfectionist, I know all too well how easy it is to create an idea, thinking and planning it through until it is done.
“Done” is the key word; because as a perfectionist few things are ever “done”. They can always be better, and so we work on it until the typeface is correct, and the images, colors, and edges are “just right”. Then we tweak the entire thing over again because - that’s what we do.
Maybe this isn’t you, and the stress that reading all of that caused was unwarranted, and you’re right - all of the stress is unnecessary. For all of us.
Whether a perfectionist or “Type __”, we make things too hard for ourselves and others. Truly, and hear me on this, “Life is not that hard.” It just isn’t. Consider what you want from life and think of what that entails. Probably not much.
But think of at least one thing that makes having what you want challenging. I said one because more than that is opening Pandora’s Box, and I’m not trying to send anyone into that tailspin today.
Here’s a test, think of one aspiration you have and what it would take to achieve it within the year. Only come up with actions that you can control and take to achieve it, and start with the smallest one.
Because here is the thing, regardless of age, experience, background, etc., what we want most is possible, what gets in our way is making obtaining it harder than it needs to be.
If coming up with an aspiration or a step is challenging, schedule a call with me at https://timewitheddie.as.me, and allow me the opportunity to support you in taking a baby step* forward.
[*baby step - noun - a very small step or advance in progress. Eddie’s additional definition - without all of the adult drama BS that clutters our minds because of our own fear, disappointment, or other’s fears for us.]
Action Steps
Think of one aspiration you have and what it would take to achieve it within the year.
Only come up with actions that you can control and take to achieve it.
Start with the smallest step.