I’d like to share my top ways to stop being a perfectionist for all my fellow perfectionists out there. For me, it’s hard not to be a perfectionist on a daily basis, but I have been working towards learning that it’s not always about being perfect or doing a perfect job. It’s been a long journey, with a ways left to go, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made! If you would like to learn a few ways to stop being a perfectionist, then please continue reading!
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1. Have Realistic Expectations
Among all the ways to stop being a perfectionist, setting realistic expectations and goals is at the top of the charts. Realize that your recipe may not turn out just like the picture in the magazine, but it will still taste the same! And just because your sister’s son potty-trained within 3 months, that doesn’t mean your child will do the same.
2. Take on One Thing at a Time
One of the things that can really overwhelm perfectionists is having more than one project going on at a time, particularly larger projects. Realize that you can only do so much at once. In order to focus on doing a good (enough) job on one project and still take care of the rest of your everyday functions, wait until you finish re-modeling your kitchen before you start planning your boss's retirement party at work.
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3. Realize That You Are Your Worst Critic
As perfectionists, it often feels like people are going to look at anything and everything we do and judge us harshly. While it’s true that people do judge, you must realize that you are your own worst critic. So the size 4 dress is a little too small. Don’t hyperventilate because you need to go up a size. You are your own worst critic, so remember to lighten up!
4. Give Yourself Credit
When you do a good job on something or finish a project, give yourself credit! Allow yourself to be proud of what you have done. Focus on what you did a good job on, and don’t nitpick at the areas where you might have made little flubs. No one will notice but you!
5. Tell Yourself It’s Not Worth It
Perfectionists tend to stress out more than necessary. Whether it’s over something you feel like you didn’t do well enough, something you feel like you should have done differently, or something you wish you could do but can’t, you must learn to let it go. Tell yourself it’s not worth the stress!
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6. Be Willing to Ask for Help
There will come a time when you realize you just can’t do it all on your own. Even if you prefer it that way, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Then accept the help, and don’t criticize when you feel like you could have done a better job. Just let it be part of the learning process to let things go and throw perfectionism to the wind!
7. Accept That Mistakes Happen
Mistakes are part of life, and they tend to happen at the most inconvenient times. But mistakes are great learning tools, if we allow them to be. If you make a mistake, do what you can to fix it, and then move on. No stressing! So you had a disagreement with your spouse in public. Don’t fret over it forever because you can’t change it now. Just move on!
8. Focus on the Present
Too many times, perfectionists dwell on the past and what they wish they could have changed or done differently. Today, focus on the present. Enjoy what you have in the here and now! Strive towards your goals, and leave perfectionism in the past with all that stress and worry!
Perfectionism can get such a foothold in your life that nothing will ever be good enough. That’s why it’s important to try and work towards freeing yourself of perfectionism! That’s not to say you can’t strive to do a good job, just learn where to draw the line! How do you curb perfectionism on a daily basis?
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