MY THOUGHTS | Perfectionism: a Blessing or a Curse?
Today I wanted to talk about something that’s been on my mind and a topic I like to discuss with others and gather their thoughts on: perfectionism.
I’ve always been a perfectionist. I want the most of everything and I’m constantly striving to be the best version of myself. Usually I really admire this quality in myself and others because it creates a rare sense of drive and motivation that you don’t often see. My perfectionism usually stems around anything creative or life-related, organization, and cleanliness.
However, sometimes I find myself frustrated with the present because I’m unable to make it how I ideally envision it. This leaves me feeling anxious to move on the the next step, the next day, or the next activity. I’d rather keep my eyes on the future because that’s something I’m still capable of sculpting into what I want it to be. I’m always a step ahead. Sometimes it’s a challenge for me to be present because I’m emotionally and mentally on the next hour, day, week, or sometimes month. If I’m not getting the things I envisioned done to the standard of my liking, I often feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
What I love about being a perfectionist is that I always do my best. I like following a schedule and timing when things need to be done and how they are going to get done. I love planning out every element of every situation — I’ve always been detail-oriented. The sense of happiness and accomplishment I feel after these goals get achieved (as they usually do with all the years of practice) is incomparable.
Being a perfectionist is equally as frustrating as it is satisfying.
Are you a perfectionist and do you think it’s a blessing or a curse? Let me know your thoughts!
Thanks for reading!
I’ve been a perfectionist since middle school. I would spend up to 24 hours working on projects not because I was procrastinating… No I usually got projects done a week in advance. I would stay up so late perfecting my projects and I didn’t want to go to bed because I just wanted to get it done right in one fell swoop. Perfectionism causes so much trouble for me because I sometimes fall ill from doing all nighters or get frustrated with others because they don’t see the same vision as me. Recently I had to gather a group for a class project and being the perfectionist I am, I already drew out a whole outline and schedule for our project. My group members were not so happy with me because I was doing too much too fast….
I can definitely relate! With this perfectionist mentality, the process can be frustrating at times — but it’s always worth it in the end!
I feel you girl. I often find it frustrating as well and then I become really hard on myself if something didn’t go according to my plans. What I have learned recently is to let go, given that my anxiety was becoming too much to handle. I know that I do not have control of every aspect in life and that’s okay too. I do still struggle with this but you know that’s alright too. This is all a process.
Phoebe Xx
http://www.phoebegiggles.com/
Exactly! It’s so important to relax and remember that it’s ok if something doesn’t turn out exactly how you wanted it to — that’s life! 🙂 Thank you for commenting, Phoebe!