Is perfectionism holding you back?
Are you constantly striving for perfection, only to feel exhausted and never quite satisfied? If so, you’re not alone. Perfectionism is a shared struggle, particularly among women over 50, and it’s time to address it together.
As we get older, we face changes beyond our control – our bodies, relationships, and even our careers. If you’re a perfectionist, these changes can trigger deep anxiety, making you feel like you’re constantly falling short.
Here, we explore how perfectionism affects your life and, more importantly, how to break free.
What does perfectionism look like?
Perfectionists often:
- Set impossibly high expectations for themselves and others
- Struggle with procrastination out of fear of failure
- Feel anxious about making mistakes
- Crave constant approval and validation
- Avoid celebrating their successes
- Find it difficult to delegate tasks
- React defensively to criticism, even if it’s constructive
It may be time to reframe your mindset if any of these sound familiar.
Why are some people perfectionists?
Perfectionism is often rooted in childhood experiences. If praise and love were conditional on performance, you may have learned that being ‘perfect’ is the only way to feel worthy. It can also be reinforced in adulthood by demanding workplaces, social media comparisons, and cultural expectations – especially for women.
Perfectionists frequently tie their self-worth to achievements, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and even burnout. Worst of all, perfectionists rarely feel truly happy. Even when they succeed, they feel relief rather than joy.
5 ways to overcome perfectionism
Let’s explore some practical ways to shift your mindset and embrace imperfection.
- Set realistic goals
Instead of aiming for flawless, focus on progress over perfection. Allow room for growth and learning.
- Recognise when perfectionism is holding you back
Ask yourself if this standard really necessary? Or am I setting myself up for stress? If perfection is getting in the way of productivity or happiness, it’s time to make changes.
- Practice self-compassion
Be as kind to yourself as you are to your friends. Allow mistakes to be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
- Reframe failure as growth
Mistakes don’t define you – they help you grow. Every setback is a lesson, not a verdict on your worth.
- Let go of external validation
Your value isn’t based on what others think. Break away from the need for approval and embrace the freedom that comes with it.
Final thought – progress, not perfection
Leaving perfectionism unchecked can prevent you from living like you want to. But the relief and freedom that comes from embracing imperfections are worth the journey. The key to happiness isn’t achieving a perfect life. What is perfect anyway?
So, think about one small step you can take today to release the grip of perfectionism? Take that step, and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced future.