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A New Age: Embracing Your Imperfections
- Sruti Medavaram
- Oct 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Written By: Tess Paul
No one is perfect.
A phrase that is spoken quite often, yet has lost its meaning throughout time. “Of course no one’s perfect, but that doesn’t matter. I have to be” may be a dialogue your head is familiar with. It’s normal. We all want to achieve success in whatever we desire, and that often entails a certain degree of perfection. But when striving for that perfection no longer is pursued by healthy, viable means, perfectionism can often lead an individual to self-destruct.
Perfectionism, a concept often seen as a virtue, inspires people to aim high and establish ambitious goals for themselves. However, maintaining perfectionism can have a serious negative impact on one's mental and emotional health. Perfectionism, according to Psychology Today, is a
personality trait marked by unreasonably high standards and an all-or-nothing attitude that frequently results in persistent tension, stress, and self-criticism. In actuality, accepting one's flaws can lead to increased self-love, mental wellness, and general happiness.
Perfectionism goes beyond simply having objectives and wanting to reach them. Perfectionists frequently believe that meeting unreasonable criteria is what makes them valuable. They are more likely to harshly judge themselves because of this perspective, and even minor setbacks can seem like personal failures. Perfectionism can eventually result in burnout, elevated anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
A paradox often fostered by perfectionism is that an individual may feel further away from perfection the more they strive for it. Harvard Summer School emphasizes how perfectionists frequently experience paralyzing anxiety of not reaching the ideal outcome, which leads to procrastination and self-sabotage. This ongoing strain can undermine self-assurance and reduce general life pleasure. Rather than acknowledging advancements, perfectionists are inclined to concentrate on what's lacking, reinforcing a negative self-image.
Giving up the pursuit of perfectionism means recognizing that you are imperfect as a result of being human, not compromising your standards or accepting mediocrity. In this process, cultivating self-compassion is essential. Self-compassion is treating yourself with the same love and understanding that you would give a friend, as opposed to condemning yourself when things don't go as planned.
When someone has self-compassion, they are able to see errors and failures as learning opportunities rather than as indicators of their own shortcomings. This change in outlook may mitigate tension, calm anxiety, and boost resilience. The idea that progress, not perfection, is the real measure of achievement is encouraged by a self-compassionate perspective.
Perfectionism can be related to disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to Psychology Today, which emphasizes the significance of treating it from a mental health standpoint. Those who struggle to break free from the perfectionism cycle may find it beneficial to seek support from a therapist or counselor. Therapy can provide strategies to change thought habits and promote more positive aspirations for oneself.
Ultimately, you can cultivate greater resilience and fulfillment by changing your perspective from one of perfection to one of progress. The next time you're tempted to condemn yourself for not being "perfect," keep in mind that it's precisely these flaws that define what makes you so beautifully human.
It’s time to give yourself a break, no matter how much you believe you don’t deserve one.
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