Being a high achiever and being a perfectionist are two different things. People of both kinds aspire to be successful. But there is a fine line between these types of people.
High achievers are driven to strive for excellence, but perfectionists, although coming from the same breed, are driven by fear and immobilized by the thought of failing. Learning how to deal with perfectionism may take time because you are rewiring your mindset and habits. But you got this.
How To Embrace The Silent Drainer
If you are a perfectionist, and you fail to realize how you are draining yourself, this article might give you the reassurance that you need. How to deal with perfectionism, you ask? Let’s get into it!
1. Allow Yourself To Make Mistakes
Image via The Economist
Failing is not fatal. In fact, when we make mistakes, we have the chance to improve, learn, and grow from our mistakes. Taking up a new pastime that you probably won’t be good at on your first try is one approach to dealing with perfectionism. Consider enjoying the activity and gradually improving rather than striving to be “perfect” at it. You may discover that making errors is an essential part of the process to reach your goals. Perfection takes time and you should not rush it.
2. Learn How To Receive Criticism
Image via Vantage Circle
Perfectionists take criticism personally. This explains why they have low self-esteem. You need to understand that it is critical to receive constructive criticism so that we can improve. Try to understand that constructive criticism is normal and can be useful in helping us become better. Errors or mishaps are entirely typical on the journey. Always keep an open mind when receiving criticism.
3. Be Realistic
Image via Dribbble
Perfectionists often have unachievable standards, which leads them to create unrealistic goals. Dearest perfectionists, why? Learning to set more attainable goals is one technique to overcome perfectionism. When your goals are reasonable and realistic, you will feel significantly less stressed and more assured of your ability to achieve them. Setting up realistic goals does not mean that you are underestimating yourself. Keep that in mind.
4. Focus On Value Than Perfection
Image via Learidge
Instead of concentrating on doing things flawlessly, attempt to change your attention to discovering the value in what you do. Whether anything is done properly or not, does not matter as long as it fulfills you and gives you delight. Finding significance along the journey might lead to greater fulfillment. Also, you will feel more appreciative of the effort you put into completing a task. It’s the journey, not the destination.
5. Avoid Procrastinating
Image via Tiny Buddha
Perfectionists are often infamous procrastinators who use their inability to guarantee perfection as an excuse to put off doing their work. “I need to do my work perfectly. Therefore, I need to be in my best mood to start doing it,”. In the long run, this can be much more stressful and counterproductive. Starting is often the hardest part, but even just outlining your task in rough form in advance is preferable to doing nothing at all.
As a perfectionist, you need to know how to deal with your perfectionism. Remind yourself that it is okay if your initial attempt is not flawless, and allow yourself to continue working on the task.
Never forget that you are the one putting the most strain on yourself. Lower the impossible standards you set for yourself and be gentle to yourself. This will help you to learn to accept who you are. You are doing great as long as you are still driven and giving it your all. While being “perfect” does not exist, you deserve to know that you can take pride in having tried your hardest. That is all that matters, babes!