How Perfectionism Affects You and 5 Ways To Break Free From It
Perfectionism is that little voice in your head that constantly whispers, “Not good enough.” It’s that nagging-need to have everything just right, and the fear of making a mistake or not having something flawless.
While having high standards for yourself and your work can be a good thing, perfectionism can seriously mess with your mental health and mess up your everyday life. It’s exhausting, anxiety-inducing, and a total buzzkill for creativity.
Perfectionism isn't about striving for excellence, it’s about setting impossible standards and then beating yourself up when you fall short (which is something that’s inevitable). Breaking free from this habit is essential for your well-being and creative flow.
We’re going to talk about why perfectionism needs to be kicked to the curb and ways you can let go of perfectionism to reclaim your creativity, peace of mind, and overall happiness.
How Perfectionism Is Negatively Affecting You
It deteriorates your mental and emotional health
Perfectionism isn’t just about wanting things to be perfect -it’s about constantly feeling like nothing is ever good enough. This is a nasty cycle of self-criticism that can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
When you’re constantly chasing an unattainable standard, it’s no wonder your mental and emotional health takes a hit. The pressure to be perfect all the time leaves little room for self-compassion or joy, turning your creative passion into a source of stress rather than happiness.
2. It flattens creativity
Creativity thrives on experimentation, mistakes, and growth. But perfectionism? It’s like creativity’s worst nightmare. When you’re obsessed with getting everything right, you’re less likely to take risks, try new things, or think outside the box.
Perfectionism can keep you stuck in a loop of overthinking and second-guessing, which means your best ideas might never see the light of day. It’s hard to enjoy the creative process when you’re constantly worried about the outcome.
3. It steals your happiness
Ever notice how perfectionists are never truly satisfied? That’s because perfectionism doesn’t allow you to celebrate your wins or appreciate your progress. Instead of enjoying the moment, you’re too busy nitpicking every detail or worrying about what you need to be doing next.
This mindset not only kills your joy but also keeps you from experiencing the fulfillment and excitement that comes from doing something you love, imperfections and all.
How to Break Free from Perfectionism
Embrace “good enough”
Alright, I know this is waaaay easier said than done. This one’s going to take time and practice. But, not everything has to be perfect to be valuable. Start practicing the art of doing things “good enough.”
This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity; it means recognizing when something is complete and moving on. Perfectionism thrives on the idea that things are never done, but accepting “good enough” frees you to enjoy the creative process without the constant pressure.
2. Set realistic expectations
Perfectionists often set the bar impossibly high - so high that even reaching it wouldn’t feel satisfying. To break the cycle, start setting realistic, achievable goals.
Allow yourself to be human, which means accepting that mistakes and imperfections are all part of the journey. When your expectations are grounded in reality, you can actually enjoy the process and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
3. Practice self-compassion
This is a biggy as you go through this process. Perfectionism is brutal because it leaves no room for self-compassion. Start treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.
When you slip up or something doesn’t turn out as planned, instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge the effort you put in and remind yourself that it’s okay to be imperfect. Self-compassion is a powerful antidote to the toxic self-criticism that fuels perfectionism.
4. Set boundaries around your work
Perfectionism can easily take over your life if you let it. That’s why it’s sooo important to set boundaries around your work and creative projects. This might mean giving yourself a strict deadline, taking regular breaks, or setting limits on how much time you spend tweaking and revising. Boundaries help you protect your mental and emotional health, so you can enjoy your work without letting it consume you.
5. Celebrate imperfections
If you’re a perfectionist reading this, I know this makes you squirm. But, one day, it won’t! Instead of fearing imperfections, start celebrating them. Imperfections are what make your work unique and authentic. They’re a reminder that you’re human, not some machine.
Try sharing your work - even when it’s not “perfect,” and see how liberating it can be to let go of the need for flawlessness. Embracing imperfections can open up new creative possibilities and help you reconnect with the joy and passion of creating.
Breaking free from perfectionism isn’t easy, but it’s so dang worth it. By embracing the power of “good enough,” setting realistic expectations, practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and celebrating imperfections, you can reclaim your mental and emotional health and start living a life that’s full of creativity, joy, and authenticity.
