Many of us grew up believing that to be loved, lovable or successful we had to be perfect. Yes, I said, perfect! In school we wanted the perfect paper, the perfect test score and the perfect date to the prom. As we grew older, we wanted the perfect children, the perfect career and the perfect mate.
Doesn’t sound very empowering does it?
As grown women, we’re finding we don’t know how to do appreciate or understand the lessons that come from making mistakes. Why do we work so hard to make life so miserable? Logically, doesn’t this all sound self-defeating and self-destructive? Why then do we try so hard to be perfect?
As a recovering perfectionist myself, I’ve found seven telltale signs that may be an indication you’re trying too hard to be too perfect. Here’s what I’ve found:
#1 – One little mistake can practically wipe out all memory of the thousands of things you’ve done right. When mistakes take on more importance than accomplishments, you may be a perfectionist.
#2 – The imperfections in yourself have become the focal point of your thoughts. When your self-dialogue revolves around criticizing yourself and your choices, you may be a perfectionist.
#3 – Believing you’re constantly being judged has become a normal state of mind. When you find yourself consistently making excuses for your actions, decisions and choices because you believe people are judging you, you may be a perfectionist.
#4 – Parents and other role models have become the focus of disappointment. When childhood memories and stories are filled with the mistakes your parents made raising you and therefore you aren’t responsible for your mistakes, you may be a perfectionist.
#5 – Sometimes the pressure of achieving is so intense that success isn’t fun. When success becomes so serious and stressful that you develop stress headaches when things don’t go right, you may be a perfectionist.
#6 – You feel as if you’re flawed because you’re not smart enough or good enough. When you look in the mirror and the imperfections out-weigh the good points, you may be a perfectionist.
#7 – You believe that in order to be loved, appreciated and respected, you must be perfect. When receiving and/or giving love is based upon the model of the perfect person, you may be a perfectionist.
Striving to achieve greatness and not perfection gives you the power to enjoy a life filled with success, contentment and happiness.
You don’t have to be perfect to be successful. Think of life this way, the flaws, imperfections and glitches of life are the things that can make life exciting. Try not to take yourself so seriously. One day at a time, strive to see the fun in life and the challenges as learning experiences.
Author Unknown
**If you believe you may have an emotional or physical condition, you should consult a health care professional for diagnosis, help and treatment. This article is not intended to give medical or emotional advice. It is for entertainment purposes only.**
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