Escape Your Perfectionist Addiction

Are you a perfectionist? The definition of perfection is the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. Do you hold yourself to this standard or do you require others to meet your expectations?
Desiring things to be perfect seems like a good thing. Hmmm, at times I resemble this comment.  Who could blame you for wanting to make your own world as perfect as possible?  It’s a trap!

If we stop and think about it, we justify “perfection” so we have order and control.  We are placing our perception of perfection on ourselves and others. We cannot control our world of uncertainty. Our rules of perfection are an illusion; we cannot control everything nor does God expect perfection from us. We all are imperfect human beings living in an imperfect world. We are made perfect to God through the blood of Jesus, not by our work or deeds.

Are you caught in the trap of a Perfectionist Addiction?  Do you…

• Continuously tell yourself you need to be perfect?
• Get “stuck” on tasks through endless procrastination for concern over mistakes?
• Feel shame and guilt when you make a mistake or feel you did not perform at your best?
• Expect perfection from the people around you?

Does this sound like fun? I don’t think so. Being stuck in the perfectionist trap makes you experience more distress, anxiety and even depression. When you fail to achieve your perfect standards you feel guilt and disappointment which leads to low self-esteem. So isn’t it time you got out of this nasty trap?

Become more mindful of your perfectionist thoughts. Are your thoughts helping you come out of the situation or are they pulling you down? Walk away from the situation and gain control of your thoughts through meditation or prayer.

Challenge the thoughts which take you to the perfectionist trap.  Are you jumping to conclusions with your judgement? Is this really as bad or as big as it seems? Are you exaggerating the negative aspect of the situation? What other way could you look at the situation that would be more helpful? Challenge your thoughts! On a scale 1-10 where 10 represents a severe situation similar to pediatric neurology, where does your issue fall in importance to other things going on in the world?  

Replace your thoughts with more constructive ones. How could you change your thought so it’s more truthful? What distortions can you take out of it?  Re-create the thought in a way that motivates you rather than stresses you.  If you are committed to seeing it as a failure, then “rebrand” it as a learning experience that’s helping you grow and develop.  
​
Glorifying and enjoying our Heavenly Father is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life.  Remember God is in control, not you. Instead of wasting your energy on an impossible task, focus on what He says.  God wants us to give it all up to Him, so that He can have the glory He deserves.  His glory will radiate through you, so that others may see the happiness that is possible in Him.  When you let Him have control, life will become an even more beautiful journey.  Trying to control everything clearly gets stressful after a while, but if we ask God to take control and release us from our anxieties, He will answer. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
 
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
 
Psalm 139:1-2 O Lord, you have searched me (thoroughly) and have known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up (my entire life, everything I do). You understand my thought from afar.
 
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests know to God.
 
Prayer
 
Father, I ask that you help us with our perfection addiction. It robs us of being grateful of others, of finding joy in our daily accomplishments, and causes us to depend on ourselves instead of relying on You. We surrender to You because You are our Creator and Provider. Your word says You know the end from the beginning, therefore, we can trust You with each day and every circumstance. You are for us, not against us, we have nothing to fear. You know all our thoughts and even the hairs on our head are numbered by You.
 
Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes of love and acceptance. We ask You for guidance and direction in the name of Jesus.
 
Blessed Beyond Measure,
 
Sally