Perfectionism sounds good, right? Striving for the best and having everything in order — that’s its essence. But it’s not all roses. Let’s uncover nine hidden downsides of perfectionism and how to keep it in check.
9 Downsides of Perfectionism
Constant Stress
Always aiming for perfection keeps you on edge. You’re never relaxed, always pushing. But the real disaster happens if things don’t go as planned. Then, expect poor self-esteem and, in the end, worse life quality. If that’s your symptom, why not try something natural to help you relax? The solution is THC edibles — these cannabinoid-infused treats help you feel more at ease, optimistic, and kind to yourself.
Fear of Failure
Perfectionists fear mistakes. This fear can stop you from trying new things or taking risks. Each new opportunity is a risk, and failures can happen — that’s how we grow. If you miss out on opportunities and experiences, you’ll never be a better version of yourself. As you see, unhealthy perfectionism won’t work in the long run.
Procrastination
When you want everything perfect, starting can be hard. You delay tasks, waiting for the “right” moment. It’s a coping mechanism your brain targets to avoid stress. But in fact, this leads to missed deadlines and more stress.
Low Self-Esteem
Perfectionists often set impossible standards (for themselves and those around them). When you can’t meet them, you feel like a failure. It can hurt your self-esteem over time. Similarly, this can lead to isolation when those people around you don’t match the high mark.
Relationship Strain
Perfectionism doesn’t just affect you. It can strain your relationships. High expectations and critical attitudes can push people away. Besides, it can cause isolation, and make you defensive and avoidant in relationships.
Burnout
Pushing yourself to the limit can lead to burnout. You’re always on, always trying to do better. Eventually, your mind and body can’t keep up. As a result, burnout can even cause other severe health issues, like depression or devastation. The issue severely affects high achievers.
Lack of Creativity
Perfectionism can stifle creativity. You focus so much on getting it right that you don’t take creative risks. “You’re not worth it,” “You can do nothing,” “Don’t even try” — all these thoughts are highly destructive. By contrast, innovation needs room to breathe and mistakes.
Health Issues
The stress from perfectionism can take a toll on your health. Headaches, insomnia, and other stress-related problems — all these are potential consequences of unhealthy perfectionism. No matter how hard you seek perfection, the chase hinders your quality of life and affects your relations with others.
Missed Joy
Always chasing perfection means you often miss the joy of the present moment. You’re so focused on what’s next that you forget to enjoy what’s now. If you cannot do something perfectly, just let go of it. The beauty of life is in little imperfections.
Perfectionist’s Guide: How to Maintain Balance
Feeling overwhelmed by your high standards? Here’s how to find balance:
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for good, not perfect. Realistic goals are achievable and reduce stress.
- Embrace Mistakes: See mistakes as learning opportunities. They’re a natural part of growth, and you need them, just like you need achievements.
- Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to relax and recharge. It’s crucial for your well-being. If you feel any early signs of depression, don’t ignore them — seek help.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. It keeps you motivated and positive. Small (sometimes imperfect) steps can eventually lead you to a big victory. You must remember this.
- Limit Criticism: Be kind to yourself and others. Constructive feedback is good, but constant criticism is draining.
- Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your struggles can provide relief and new perspectives.
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As you can see, your first step to healthier relations with yourself is allowing yourself to be imperfect. After all, chasing some standard can make you lose your self-identity and miss many opportunities in the long run. To conclude, perfectionism is essential to our lives, but don’t make it a focal point. This way, you’ll live your life much smarter.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com