Are You a Prisoner of Perfection?

Are you a prisoner of perfection? For some, striving for perfection keeps you trapped on a hamster wheel of unending pursuit. That trap, however, offers a kind of protection. It keeps you busy, focused. You get to feel good about yourself for having lofty goals. The problem is you rarely get to the finish line. You live with a constant sense of falling short of the mark.

Health and relationships often suffer as your body and loved ones try to adjust to the constant pressure you put on yourself (and them!) Learning to ease up while still seeking excellence is a real challenge.

Here’s the tip. Check inside if you are ready to get off of this wheel. If no, be kind to yourself, eat well and exercise regularly to mitigate stress. If yes, take a deep breath.

Line up support to help cope with the feelings likely to arise when you slow down. Ask trusted friends and family to tell you what they love about you that has nothing to do with reaching goals or being perfect. You may have a hard time believing what they say. This is natural. Tears may arise. Allow them to soothe any ache of unworthiness. Anger may arise. Shake a fist and stomp a foot at the long hardship of trying so diligently to be so good.

You can stop now. You can rest in the great comfort of knowing you are valuable, loveable and perfect just for being you, imperfect as you are. ©