Perfectionism. It can eat you up alive. This topic is something I know all too well given my own history of perfectionistic habits as well as the clients I’ve helped over the years as a Holistic Health Coach. Here’s the challenge. Like workaholics, perfectionists are often rewarded in society with high praise for their talents and accomplishments. In fact, most perfectionists were raised with an overemphasis on pleasing and performing, which set them up for being hypercritical and demanding of themselves and others as an adult. Additionally, unlike drugs or gambling the side effects of perfectionism can be harder to spot. People can quietly obsess over their relationships, career, possessions, and of course, their health and their appearance.
Underneath it all is a distrust that those things aren’t enough and so controlling behavior and overcompensation become coping mechanisms to perpetually try and reach the pinnacle of “enough” that always seems to be just out of reach. And even though it’s often underestimated as simply neurotic or “type A personality” perfectionism can be devastatingly toxic, especially when it’s passed on to children and how it impacts their sense of self-worth and their body image.
So, when it comes to your health in particular, whether you consider yourself perfectionistic or not, do what you can to create a vision that’s grounded in love and acceptance. Go for self-improvement and doing your best and practice allowing things to get messy. Celebrate mistakes as opportunities for growth and as a recognition of your humanity. worrying, “What will others think?” This is key because ultimately, perfectionism Tap into the joy of eating well, in taking good care of your body, skin, and hair. Make friends with mirrors by focusing on positive thoughts rather than what you need to “get rid of” or “fix.” Celebrate all that you have and all that you are.
There is no finish line when it comes to your health
Ask yourself, “What am I trying to hide or avoid through perfectionism?”
Ask yourself, “How can I begin to let go of perfectionism right now?”
Ask yourself, “How would my experience of life improve by letting go of perfectionism?”
Letting go of perfectionism isn’t as simple as making up your mind to do it and then it’s done. Sometimes friends or family will assume it is. Letting go of perfectionism requires some major self-examination along with new thoughts and new habits to be cultivated and strengthened. It requires loving patience and time to shed the old and celebrate the positive shifts.
Focus on how you feel, rather than what size you are or how much you weigh.
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