Many people struggle with perfectionism. Almost everyone at one point or another has experienced perfectionistic tendencies about something. However, if you find yourself experiencing perfectionism and it is disrupting your daily life, then that trait may need deeper analysis and consideration. Here are a few suggestions on how not to let perfectionism control your life.
Allow Mistakes
Change your mindset for how you view mistakes. Mistakes are not a bad thing. On the contrary, mistakes are learning moments. You can learn the best by having experiences and making mistakes. Changing your thought process and seeing mistakes as growth opportunities will take time; stick with it and stay in the moment.
Set Realistic Goals
Make sure your goals are realistic. While it is great to have high goals and standards, make sure that your goals are obtainable. If your goals are large, create smaller goals and steps underneath those large goals. Try not to expect yourself to reach high goals easily. Try to treat yourself like you would treat a loved one working towards their goals.
Focus On Positives
Nobody is perfect, and trying to hold yourself to such high standards can negatively impact your mental health. You may start to feel like you are not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough simply because you make mistakes. Remember, mistakes can be great. Learning to focus on the positive can help you remember to push past your perfectionistic qualities.
Notice When Perfectionism Happens
Try to notice when you are displaying perfectionistic qualities. Are other people involved? What does the setting look like? What are you doing in those moments? When you notice when perfectionism is occurring, you can begin to look for patterns in your behavior. Those patterns will be helpful when working with a therapist. Understanding the root causes of struggles is one of the best ways to work through those struggles.
Many people struggle with perfectionism. Try to notice when you are being a perfectionist or having perfectionist thoughts. Understanding why you respond the way you do will help you better manage your mental health issues and overall well-being. You may also find it helpful to set realistic goals and begin to change your mindset about mistakes. Here at The Guest House, we know how hard it is to change your thought process. We are here to help you gain the skills needed to face your challenges. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options at (855) 483-7800.