{"id":85784,"date":"2020-11-04T10:23:17","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T18:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/?p=85784"},"modified":"2020-11-09T10:38:50","modified_gmt":"2020-11-09T18:38:50","slug":"perfection-could-be-weighing-you-down-without-you-knowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/perfection-could-be-weighing-you-down-without-you-knowing\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Idea of Perfection Could Be Weighing You Down Without You Knowing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you refuse to leave your house without mascara? Does the thought of an error on an expense report keep you up at night?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are tossing and turning over tens of thousands of dollars, it\u2019s one thing. However, you might be one of many who grapple with stress brought on by unrealistic expectations. Here\u2019s how the idea of perfection could be weighing you down without you knowing it, along with some tips for finding a healthier sense of priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weight of Unrealistic Expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your pet Schnauzer pulls down your holiday tree<\/a>, you get to decide if it\u2019s a disaster or a hilarious memory you\u2019ll chuckle at through the years. Too often, the weight of unrealistic expectations makes you overlook the best way to relieve stress \u2014 laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, society often contributes to unrealistic expectations. For example, while one-quarter of men and 87% of women<\/a> say they prefer straight teeth, only the most fortunate Americans can afford quality dental care, let alone orthodontics. The consequences often create a perpetual poverty cycle \u2014 those who are missing teeth may struggle to gain the very employment they need to have their smile repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other times, though, you might create a crisis where none exists. What\u2019s worse? Failing to make a token appearance at your office holiday party or showing up with a chipped manicure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When asked objectively, most people would say you should attend even with imperfect fingernails. But perfectionism whispers, \u201ceveryone will notice.\u201d In your embarrassment over a minor detail that no one but a bonafide mean girl would mention, you draw more attention to yourself by hiding your hands behind your back instead of shaking the proffered paw of the department head where you wish to transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfectionism can paralyze progress. If you have a business you want to launch, get started on it today. If you study entrepreneurs, you\u2019ll learn you should be embarrassed by your initial product<\/a> or offering \u2014 but you\u2019ll never nurture a gorgeous rose bush to perfection if you don\u2019t first plant that seed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons to Embrace Imperfection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embracing imperfection is, frankly, pretty awesome and liberating. If you aren\u2019t convinced yet that letting go of your need for perfection can make your life better, here are five ways it will revolutionize your existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. It Makes You Human<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People don\u2019t like superheroes outside of comic books. If you look at the stories of the folks people admire most, you\u2019ll see nearly all share the trait of overcoming terrible odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sets them apart? They kept going even when things got messy or downright mortifying. You can do the same when you let go of perfection. Making mistakes doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re a failure \u2014 only human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other people will relate to your humanity. Learning to take ownership of your mistakes instead of brushing them under the perfectionist rug will make you more powerful<\/a> and showcase your leadership potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You Serve as a Role Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one thing to exhibit patience in the checkout line while the lady in front of you counts their change one coin at a time if you have nowhere to be. If you are running late to work, it proves much harder to keep your cool \u2014 but that\u2019s when you demonstrate your character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying calm amidst chaos only occurs when you let go of the idea of perfection. Why ruin a stranger\u2019s day by making them feel guilty when a \u201cthank you for waiting\u201d will help ease the stress of running a few minutes late? When you look in the mirror, you\u2019ll see someone who treats everyone considerately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. It Helps You Prioritize Your Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some things can wait, but others shouldn\u2019t. If you put off inviting friends to visit until you have your dream pad, you\u2019ll miss out on valuable memories. Are you really going to skip your BFF\u2019s wedding if you think your bridesmaid dress makes you look chunky?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you let go of perfection, you can prioritize your time more effectively. When it comes to a choice between getting a pedicure and spending an hour reconnecting with a long-lost friend, you pick coffee and chatting every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. It Eases Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perfectionism can lead to burnout<\/a> \u2014 a state of utter mental and physical exhaustion. When you reach this point, you might find it impossible to get out of bed, which only leaves you feeling more overwhelmed about the things you left undone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letting go of perfectionism eases the pressure. Maybe you leave the dishes in the sink overnight on hectic days, but you still attend your kid\u2019s soccer match after putting in an honest eight hours. You accomplish what counts instead of hitting a wall, throwing up your hands and doing nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. It Strengthens Your Relationships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perfectionism can ruin relationships \u2014 you could deny loved ones your presence when you don\u2019t look or feel your best. While you want to give your friends, family members and colleagues the best version of you, they understand that everyone is human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn to love the little quirks that make you \u2014 and your loved ones \u2014 unique. Someday, after all, you\u2019ll miss the trail of muddy footprints your mate always drags in from the garden. Instead of griping about your clean floors, appreciate each day you share your home with someone who\u2019s, frankly, pretty darn great overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding Your Balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a time and place for perfectionism. If you work on an aircraft carrier, you know you need to keep things ship-shape \u2014 pun loosely intended \u2014 to protect pilot safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you can\u2019t allow your need for everything to go swimmingly cripple your forward motion. Ask yourself the following question when perfectionism threatens to keep you from doing something you know you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In five years, will it matter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you look at the situation this way, you see that literally no one \u2014 not even the office\u2019s most boastful fashionista \u2014 will remember your chipped nail polish at the holiday party. It won\u2019t even cross your mind as you enjoy your new office in your coveted department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Going Instead of Letting Perfectionism Weigh You Down<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perfectionism can weigh you down without you knowing it by paralyzing you with fear when you know you should act. Take back your power by declaring that you are human and proud of it \u2014 then rock your next accomplishment!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you refuse to leave your house without mascara? Does the thought of an error on an expense report keep you up at night? If you are tossing and turning over tens of thousands of dollars, it\u2019s one thing. However, … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19590,"featured_media":85785,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[205,32,5,7748],"tags":[2014,51,4631,2175,66,4629],"yoast_head":"\nPerfection Could Be Weighing You Down Without You Knowing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here\u2019s how the idea of perfection could be weighing you down without you knowing it, along with some tips for finding a healthier sense of priority.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/perfection-could-be-weighing-you-down-without-you-knowing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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