Perfectionism can feel like living as “a hundred people in one,” constantly juggling multiple expectations and demands on yourself. As a perfectionist, the standards you hold yourself to are often much higher than those of the average person, and this can lead to immense pressure. For instance:
- If I can’t write a groundbreaking thesis, I won’t write one at all.
- If I can’t get a top score in the exam, I’d rather not attend university at all.
These impossible standards result in stress, anxiety, and even procrastination, as the fear of not being perfect prevents you from starting. So how can you begin to ease the pressure of perfectionism? Let’s explore some small but effective strategies:
Effective Tips for Managing Perfectionism and Finding Balance
1. Question your standards and behavior.
Ask yourself, Do I really need to be perfect at this? Why? Then consider how you might adjust your behavior to be more realistic. 🧠
2. Set realistic goals.
Break your bigger goals into smaller, achievable ones. Start with something attainable so you don’t get overwhelmed.
3. Break tasks into tiny steps.
Divide even your small goals into simpler steps. For example, read five lines from a book each day or spend 30 minutes on your thesis with a timer. 📚⏱️
4. Pay attention to your emotions while working.
As you start a task, notice the emotions you feel. What is your mind telling you? Understanding your feelings helps you deal with the anxiety that perfectionism brings.
5. Strengthen your “learning from mistakes” muscle.
You can’t improve if you never start. Making mistakes is part of the process of learning and growing. There’s no such thing as flawless. ✍️
6. Reward yourself for small achievements.
Celebrate small wins. Even booking an appointment with a specialist you’ve been avoiding can be a major step. 🎉
7. Focus on the positives.
Perfectionists often focus on flaws, but try to also notice what went well. Even if the negatives stand out more, there’s always something positive to hold onto.
8. Adjust standards that aren’t working.
If you have rigid rules, ask yourself whether they are helping you. For example, is it really possible to write a thesis that will “shake the world” in grad school? 🧐
9. Look at the bigger picture.
Don’t get stuck on tiny details. A single post or presentation is just one part of a larger project—it’s not the whole story.
10. Aim for “good enough,” not “perfect.”
Ask yourself: Is this 70% of what I wanted? If so, it’s good enough. The rest is just unnecessary perfectionism.
Perfectionism can be a tough cycle to break, but by gradually changing your mindset and expectations, you can begin to free yourself from its grasp.
❤️🔥 How do you deal with perfectionism? Let us know your thoughts and strategies in the comments below! 🌱
Share this post with someone who might be struggling with perfectionism and help them find balance! 😊