Overcoming the insidious paralysis of perfectionism helps you in many ways. So here I am going to share 5 action-oriented tips that you can immediately apply to eradicate the perfectionism that is holding you back.

I hope you enjoy exploring these experimental opportunities as you learn new and interesting things about yourself.

1. Perfectionism is a learned attribute that you can unlearn.

You weren’t born a perfectionist. You learned perfectionistic behavior from others and can unlearn it now.

The next time you hear your perfectionist voice, identify the original source, if you can. Was it because of your family constellation or how did you see people outside your family react to you? Or was it based on someone you were inspired by?

Visualize these perfectionist messages in a heavy bag of expectations that you received, that you can now leave behind.

2. When perfectionism leads to procrastination, replace it with a “better than perfect” goal.

Inevitably, perfectionism will keep you from trying something, because you fear you won’t be doing it well enough. Remember, it is your own standards that are unrealistically high. If you feel stuck on a project, try replacing high expectations with a productive stretch, and then identify your next action step.

3. Release the shackles of perfectionism by naming the fear that serves as a lock.

Tyrannical perfectionism arises and generates destructive fears. Identify the specific concerns that constrain you. Are you afraid of failure or worried about what will happen if you succeed? The level of control that perfectionism promises is illusory. See if you can identify the illusions and replace them with realistic alternatives.

4. You don’t need to victimize yourself with your own success.

Once you’ve been successful at a task, you may feel like you have to meet higher and higher standards. This is sometimes called “raising the bar syndrome.” Every effort leads only to the demand for greater effort, until finally you meet the impossible challenge and the inevitable defeat. Affirm that you remain fully in charge of your time and goals, even as you move toward a higher level of effectiveness.

5. Make friends with your mistakes.

Perfectionists often judge mistakes as bad. In fact, errors present a valuable path of evolution. If you are not risking enough to make these mistakes, how can you learn? Allow yourself the freedom to participate wholeheartedly and enjoy the thrill of discovery!

Finally, recognize that your perfectionism is part of a deeply personal story that you can now freely rewrite. It derives ALL its power from the meaning you attribute to it. The more effectively you de-emphasize “perfection,” the less power perfectionism will have over you.

To expose the false promises of your perfectionism, complete these sentences.

1. Doing something perfectly means that I am _______________________.

2. When I don’t do something perfectly, then __________________.

3. The burden of perfectionism is _____________________________.

And finally, here is a short exercise to overcome perfectionism:

1. List 2 things you can do right now to reduce your perfectionism.

_____________________________ ____________________________

2. Describe how your life will change if you reduce your perfectionism. What will the earnings be?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________