Always striving to be perfect is a relentless amount of pressure that can weigh on people’s lives. Whether it’s academic, work, relationships, or appearance, it can lead to mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and stress.
Here are some ways it can affect us mentally and how we can overcome it:
Constant Stress: The pressure to be perfect creates a constant state of stress. This stress can be overwhelming and exhausting, leading to burnout and decreased overall well-being. Finding ways to take a break will help alleviate some of the stress and prevent constant burnout. These breaks can be going for a walk, watching your favorite show, or talking with loved ones.
Self-Esteem Issues: Perfectionism often stems from a fear of failure or a desire for external validation. When individuals set impossibly high standards for themselves and inevitably fall short, it can damage their self-esteem and lead to feelings of inadequacy. Make a realistic to-do list of what you can accomplish now. Making this list can help you set realistic goals that you can reach and improve your self-esteem when reaching those goals.
Anxiety: Perfectionists tend to ruminate excessively about past mistakes or worry excessively about future outcomes. This chronic anxiety can interfere with daily functioning and make it difficult to relax or enjoy life. To prevent this constant overthinking, think about what you can control now. Thinking about what you can control now can take away the overthinking of what you did and didn’t do in the past and what you worry about in the future.
Avoidance of Challenges: Fear of failure can lead perfectionists to avoid taking risks or trying new things. This can limit personal and professional growth and prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. To overcome this, make small, challenging goals that you can achieve every week. These small goals can include trying different foods, speaking in front of a small audience, and talking to new people. These small goals can help you feel more accomplished and diminish your fear.
Relationship Strain: Perfectionism can also affect relationships. The constant need for control and validation can strain friendships and romantic partnerships, as others may feel like they can never measure up to the perfectionist's standards. To prevent this, understanding that you are doing your best is key. Having your partner or friend validate that you don’t need to perform to have a connection with them can help you recognize that you are doing your best in the relationship and that they like you for you.
Overall, striving for constant perfection can have negative effects on mental health and well-being. Learning to embrace imperfection, set realistic goals, and practice self-compassion can help individuals break free from the cycle of perfectionism and cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves and others.
For those who struggle with perfectionism visit Choose Therapy https://www.choosingtherapy.com/how-to-overcome-perfectionism/ for additional tips and help.
Additional links:
留言