FMP 052 • Perfectionism is Ruining Your Life (Observations and Solutions)

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“”Perfection is not attainable, but oddly, we keep trying.”

Perfectionism Is Destructive

In a previous article on Finding My Psych, we explored the application of the Triple Column Technique on addressing perfectionism. Today, in this solo episode, I addressed my own experience with perfectionism and provide some suggestions for containment.

I find myself trapped in perfectionism at work as a healthcare professional. While this approach is often viewed as an asset, it’s not sustainable. Perfectionism at work leads to increased anxiety and an inability to start projects when the ideal state is perceived as difficult to attain.

Striving for perfection also affects my role as a runner. In the end, an all-or-nothing approach is destined to cause anxiety and derailment. In the past, it has even caused me to pull out of races. There is no doubt that perfectionism is pervasive regardless of the role you play. In fact, seeking perfection leads to an inability to sustain your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Episode Outline

Welcome to Episode 52: Perfectionism Is Ruining Your Life

1. What We Do:
   • Behavioural Medicine and Health Psychology
   • Providing easily accessible content designed to help you design your own transformative experience.
2. Today:
   • I share my own experience at work, as a runner, and a vegan.I review some general observations about perfectionism and some approaches that can help contain this destructive approach

Perfectionism Is Destructive

1. Overview:
   • Results in an anxious person intolerant of anything but the ideal state.
   • Ignores the long range nature of personal development.
2. Primary Observations:
   • Perfectionism should not be confused with excellence -Excellence is a long and winding road.
   • Perfectionism attempts to hack to the final outcome.
   • It promotes all or nothing thinking.
   • It keeps you from starting.
   • It increases stress hormones.
   • It leads to you quitting.
3. Suggestions:
   • Ask, “What If” questions.
   • Accept your fallibility  – You are human.
   • Accept that not every obstacle and your reaction is a learning/teachable moment.
   • Break things up : ST, MT, LT.
   • Multiple measures over one.