I think I might call myself a perfectionist in recovery. I also think about perfectionism and its close cousin, ambition. I have less and less use for either of these as the years pass. Early motherhood brought out my worst, most extreme perfectionist tendencies, but then seeing how ridiculous my ideas were - absolutely obliterated by reality - oddly, maybe counterintuitively, helped me to change. But it's a process.
I like what you are saying here - that your best-laid plans were "absolutely obliterated by reality," and that's where the real learning started to happen. Letting go of our deeply ingrained perfectionist tendencies takes time and guidance, right? It's tricky because embracing imperfections doesn't mean settling for mediocrity; it means accepting the beauty of being human and finding joy in the process (rather than solely focusing on the end result). It's a shift in mindset that embracing life's imperfections and unpredictability can bring a sense of freedom and authenticity.
I loved reading this and listening to the meditation. This gave me a whole new way to frame perfectionism -- I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Thank you.
I think I might call myself a perfectionist in recovery. I also think about perfectionism and its close cousin, ambition. I have less and less use for either of these as the years pass. Early motherhood brought out my worst, most extreme perfectionist tendencies, but then seeing how ridiculous my ideas were - absolutely obliterated by reality - oddly, maybe counterintuitively, helped me to change. But it's a process.
I like what you are saying here - that your best-laid plans were "absolutely obliterated by reality," and that's where the real learning started to happen. Letting go of our deeply ingrained perfectionist tendencies takes time and guidance, right? It's tricky because embracing imperfections doesn't mean settling for mediocrity; it means accepting the beauty of being human and finding joy in the process (rather than solely focusing on the end result). It's a shift in mindset that embracing life's imperfections and unpredictability can bring a sense of freedom and authenticity.
Something to think about...
Really enjoyed the guided meditation!
Thank for trying the meditation!
I loved reading this and listening to the meditation. This gave me a whole new way to frame perfectionism -- I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Thank you.
That's such great news. It made me reframe it too - which is why I wanted to share. Thank you!