Perfectionism

Last week, I shared how I was a recovering procrastinating perfectionist. I could also use the term undercover perfectionist. 

I have a hard time getting things started knowing I will never live up to my expectations as well as expecting more from myself than I do from others. Although I am constantly affirming and encouraging people, when it comes to myself, I have a hard time not pointing out all of my shortcomings. 

“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” 

I need to remind myself of this. Those tapes expecting perfection are playing in my head and I need to find ways to overcome them and take action before those hopeless feelings take over.

One of my favorite tips is Mel Robbin’s The Five Second Rule. “If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.” Before I have time to overanalyze it (analysis paralysis), I need to start moving. Once I have taken some type of action, my brain gets the signal that I am moving towards that goal and it works harder to make it happen. 

Remember, your brain’s job is to keep you safe.  The brain does not want to be uncomfortable since that feels like a threat. As we discussed last week, discomfort is where the growth happens.  The more you practice discomfort, the more your brain will tolerate uncomfortable situations.  If you want to break free of perfectionism, start practicing getting uncomfortable and taking action within 5 seconds!  

This post is written in partnership with #HerGrowthCollective. We empower growth by bringing a diversity of perspectives to key self-development topics. Our mission: To support women through supporting each other.