The myth of perfection
Posted on August 07 2018
When I created Fox & Moon a few years ago, I designed a food diary that would help me lose my baby weight after I gave birth. I knew that I would need a bit of extra motivation along the way, so the planner was going to be what helped me stay organised - especially with a newborn to care for!
Whatever happened with my weightloss, I told myself that I would be patient and not be too hard on myself. If I slipped up and scoffed a tub of ice cream after another sleepless night with baby Harper, then so be it. I realised that feeling good about myself and my body post baby was all about just that: feeling good. I saw no point in beating myself up as I would just end up feeling bad about myself.
Sometimes I feel that lurking behind the shiny teeth and sunny pictures of the health and fitness industry is a dark side that isn’t talked about much.
Disguised by healthy tips and self-care suggestions, this dark side feeds people’s insecurities about themselves so that we keep believing that we’re not doing a good enough job at life, career, diet, family... even love.
This darkness is the flip side of so-called PERFECTIONISM.
We are constantly striving to be better and do better that we forget that most of the time we are actually fine just the way we are.
I know I’m super guilty of perfectionism and sometimes I can’t switch off, but on the odd occasion I actually stop to reflect on everything that’s going on in my life I am reminded that things aren’t as bad as I imagine when I trap myself in the grind.
So, how can we challenge the pressure of perfectionism? Here are just a few quick thoughts on some ways we can try to be more forgiving to ourselves.
How to tackle your perfectionist tendencies
Be ok with mistakes
I know we all hate to make them, but mistakes are one of the best ways to learn and grow in skills and experience.
Celebrate being you
Let’s not focus on the things we can’t do and start shouting about the things that we can do, in the way that only we can.
Don’t compare yourself with others
Have you ever seen those pictures on Instagram with the quote “don’t compare your chapter one with someone else’s chapter 20?” It’s time to remember that one.
Good is good enough
It’s very rare that we get 100% in anything in life, so let’s not put that pressure on ourselves to constantly hustle for it. Work at something to the best of your ability and know that good is good enough.
Let’s all stop for a second today to remind ourselves that we are doing ok. Whatever you are working on - whether that’s weight loss, business goals, family stuff - know that you are doing a good job. Remember to give yourself the credit you deserve and stop being so hard on yourself!
Tell me, do you struggle with perfectionism and wanting everything to be the best they can? I’d love to know what you think!
2 comments
I constantly struggle with trying to be a better housekeeper than I am. I’m disappointed in my home because it doesn’t have all the things in it or appear how I’ve always wanted it because I can’t keep up with the cleaning and organisation I strive for. Yet everyone says how lovely my home is and I’m a great mum. Why can’t I relax in that knowledge?
Couldn’t agree with you more Tory! It’s all good eating well, exercising and making better choices but you’ve got to have a life as well! Xx