Turning The Volume Down On Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a personality trait that is often associated with high standards and a strong drive to excel. However, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, leading to a negative impact on mental health and overall well-being. Turning the volume down on perfectionism means finding a balance between striving for excellence and avoiding the negative consequences of excessive self-criticism and self-doubt. 

To silence the voice of perfectionism and amplify self-confidence and the voice of authenticity, it takes a tremendous amount of courage, self-acceptance, and focus on your achievements.

Here are a few techniques you can use to tone down perfectionism:

Focus on progress rather than perfection

Strive for progress, not perfection. Focus on how much you have achieved and how far you have come from the starting line, both as an individual and in other aspects of your life. Setting realistic and achievable goals can help in this regard. Instead of worrying about getting everything right, it is important to celebrate small victories and take pride in gradual improvements. This, in turn, can build confidence and reduce the pressure to be perfect.

Practise self-compassion

Practising self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to others. Instead of being overly critical and self-judging, it is important to be gentle and forgiving with yourself. This can significantly reduce the negative impact of perfectionism on mental health.

"Perfectionism is the enemy of happiness. Embrace being perfectly imperfect. Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself; you'll be happier." - Roy Bennett

Recognise the fear of failure

Perfectionism is often driven by the fear of failure. By taking failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, you can reduce the fear and anxiety associated with perfectionism. Accept that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and that they can be valuable experiences that help us improve and develop.

Balance in life

Self-care and relaxation are just as important as work and success. By balancing the different parts of life, one can feel less pressure to be perfect and have a fuller, happier life overall. Achieving this balance requires you to take breaks, do things you enjoy, and spend time with people you care about. 

Practise mindfulness and let go

Introduce mindfulness techniques to cultivate present-moment awareness and detach from perfectionistic tendencies. Don't judge yourself for having thoughts or emotions. Accept them, and be kind to yourself. Accept that there are things you cannot control and let go of the need to control everything. It takes time and practice to become more mindful and to let go of your thoughts and emotions.

Seek support

Perfectionism prevents us from exposing our vulnerabilities. Self-judgment leads to self-doubt, and although perfectionists do not feel adequate or good about themselves, they do not want others to know it. Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member or seeking help from a professional requires courage and determination to learn and adopt practical strategies to combat the negative impact of perfectionism.

Redefine success

Success should not be defined by perfectionistic standards. It is about personal growth, overcoming challenges, and celebrating our unique achievements. We need to encourage a broader perspective on success and acknowledge personal achievements.

Perfectionism can be an exhausting and limiting mindset, but it's possible to turn down the volume on its demands. By embracing imperfection, cultivating self-compassion, and adopting a growth-oriented mindset, we can lead more fulfilling and balanced lives. Letting go of the pursuit of perfection opens up a world of possibilities for personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being.