Managing Perfectionism

Perfectionism comes in all shapes and sizes. I have always been able to pinpoint it in others but not myself. Sound familiar? Perfectionism is all about the ME in the situation. It is about presenting a false picture of who I am. It may be as a homemaker, a mom, an employee or as the volunteer. Are you trying to portray an image that can't be sustained but you try anyway? Are you desiring to be liked/loved and think this will insure that? Do you want to fix a situation And being the perfect _______________ (fill in the blank) will make all your dreams come true. The







I've learned the hard way. When I finally realized what I was doing fell under the perfectionism category, it was such an "aha" moment. I wanted to be the perfect therapy mom. If I figured out every need my son had and dealt with them perfectly, my son would make progress. Believe me, I did the spiritual thing too. I prayed and asked God to intervene. I believe God answered those prayers. I was the first to say, I don't know how people do this without the Lord! I still don't! God met me at every turn. I still struggled with perfectionism but I didn't know it for a long time.

As my health deteriorated a few years ago, I had to let go of being the perfect therapy mom. I had to let go of a lot of things I had placed on myself. I could not do it all. In the past, I would feel guilty when I wasn't perfect in this role. My health depended on letting go of perfectionism and being ok with that.

Am I perfect at letting go......oh no. I had to accept that I could not be perfect and understand that only God is perfect. I was was never meant to be perfect and I will never be but I have a God who is and He fills in the gaps each and everyday. That gives me peace and the ability to accept the reality of being a human.

If you struggle with perfectionism, you have a friend here who understands. Join me next week as we look at another area that can affect personal health.


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