“Perfectionism is the need to be or appear perfect, often driven by a desire for high standards and fear of failure. It involves setting excessively high expectations for oneself and others and striving for flawlessness in all aspects of life. While it can motivate people to achieve their best, perfectionism can also lead to constant self-criticism, anxiety, and an inability to feel satisfied with accomplishments. Perfectionists often fear making mistakes or being judged, which can lead to procrastination, burnout, and difficulty enjoying life. It goes beyond simply wanting to do well; it's the relentless pursuit of an ideal that is often unattainable.”

The more we have open conversations with people we meet, it becomes apparent that a lot of us struggle with the trait of being a perfectionist. Now, it isn't all that bad. For example, if you are a perfectionist, you have high standards, which can lead to producing high-quality work or achieving goals that others might not reach. You can have high attention to detail, a strong work ethic, motivation, creativity, reliability, persistence, etc.

However, it is important to find a healthy balance to avoid negative aspects that can accompany this mindset, such as burnout or chronic stress.

Ideas to help with Perfectionism

"Perfectionism can be harmful because it sets unrealistic standards that are nearly impossible to meet. This constant pursuit of flawlessness can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. It often results in procrastination, as the fear of not doing something perfectly can prevent you from even starting. Perfectionism can also strain relationships, as the need for control and high expectations may cause tension with others. Additionally, it can lead to burnout, as the relentless drive for perfection leaves little room for rest and self-compassion. Instead of leading to success, perfectionism often creates a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction." Does this sound familiar? Let's look at ways that can help you let go of some perfectionism in your life!

1. Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable and realistic goals rather than aiming for perfection. Focus on progress, not perfection. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognise that everyone makes mistakes, and that imperfection is part of being human. When you fall short, remind yourself that it's okay and part of the learning process.

3. "Messy Art" Sessions: Set aside time to create art without any rules or goals. Use paint, markers, or any other medium and let yourself be as messy and imperfect as possible. The idea is to enjoy the process and release control over the outcome. Tayla - I do this! I have an art journal that I hold no standard of perfectionism, I just create however I'm feeling. Stickers, pens, pictures, glitter, everything. It's so fun, and I really enjoy not making it look perfect!

4. "Done is Fun" Challenge: Set a timer for a task like writing a paragraph, cooking a dish, or organising a shelf. When the timer goes off, consider the task done—no extra tweaking allowed. Celebrate the completion, not the perfection.

5. Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose yourself to situations where you can practice being less than perfect. For example, send an email with a small typo or share a work-in-progress. This can help desensitise you to the fear of imperfection.