Perfectionism in Real Life

For years I've known that I want a place for everything and everything in its place. I love storage tubs and filing cabinets, shelves and containers. All of which help me to function well in my daily life. However, I need so much to have each item in its perfectly proper place that I continually, sort, categorize and stack and store and rarely accomplish anything. I never have enough organizing products or storage area. Yet, as badly as I want everything organized and scheduled, perfectly placed, cleaned and accomplished I am often, literally, surrounded by piles. Piles of laundry, piles of dishes, piles of crafts and hobby supplies, piles of mail to sort. I cannot just tidy a room; I have to completely rearrange the room to ensure that it is at its most functional. I will also become extremely focused on a task, such as writing an article, or completing an assignment, to the point that I will not eat, or engage with my family until I am finished or until circumstances force my attention away. Perfectionism? Yes.

What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is a way of thinking that causes an individual to desire to be and have all things under control in order to appear perfect. A perfectionist also expects others in their lives to be perfect. Perfectionists will attempt to control everything. It is also difficult for someone struggling with perfectionism to be wrong, or to appear to be wrong. As the desire to be perfect is tied to low self esteem and high need for approval, perfectionists will often deny fault when confronted or they will attempt to cover up mistakes. Perfectionism also enables people to pay attention to details and to persevere through distractions, obstacles and hardships. Many successful people and gifted children display characteristics of perfectionism.

Perfectionism: My Personal Plan

As I have become aware of perfectionism and my tendencies toward it. I have learned to use different tools and thinking patterns to better function in my daily life. I use the daily planner that I designed for myself (because no one else's was good enough!) to schedule my day in a manner that keeps me from focusing on one task for too long. I often give myself a time limit and I have learned the art of giving myself a break.

Some other techniques to combat perfectionism are:

• Remember: I know I am not perfect, nor will I ever be perfect, and that's okay.

• Delegate: If there are others who are able to help, let them!

• Prioritize: Do not take on too many activities

• Be Wrong: It is okay to be wrong! It is okay for others to be right!

• Good enough is good enough!