Perfectionism △ the inner critic + the fear of doing it wrong
I took a walk this morning…
and considered how I wanted to share about this month’s topic. It’s close to my own heart, so I felt myself striving to talk about it in just the “right way” — and how ironic that I’m sharing about perfectionism, right?
Perfectionism can manifest in so many different ways for all of us. I wouldn’t label myself as a perfectionist, but many of my not-so-desirable tendencies are deeply rooted in perfectionism. For example, holding myself to some standard that I can never quite achieve, comparing myself to those I put on a pedestal, and being overly critical of myself after making a decision.
Perfectionism may look different for you.
It may be…
…holding you back from putting your work out into the world because it just isn’t quite right yet. There’s a need for continual polishing and perfecting.
...the inner voice that’s continually telling you that you aren’t good enough and you need more training, expertise, or life experience.
...never celebrating or pausing because there’s always the next level of success achieve. You aren’t “there” yet.
...comparing yourself to others and viewing their life/business as a perfect model. (Surprise, there is NO perfect model.)
It may be none of these things, and something completely different for you. Since we’re unique humans with complex life experiences, our deep seated patterns can manifest differently.
The purpose of sharing about this topic is to bring awareness to your relationship to perfectionism and (possibly) shift your perspective on it.
To learn to work with your inner perfectionist, so that she/they can be your ally. A voice inside that motivates you, pushes you to evolve and grow, and knows that you can do better. (But in a motherly, gentle kind-of-way.)