How to Be Yourself Instead of Trying to Be Perfect

Trying to always be perfect is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Even when you feel you have reached perfection, there is always another part of yourself that still needs work. Although you may know perfection is impossible to attain, it can still feel like it is something to strive for, and you may struggle to let go of the concept of perfectionism.

The good news is that you do not have to keep up with the ever-revolving door of perfectionism forever. With the proper therapy, you can understand why you are attached to perfectionism and learn how to let it go. When you stop trying to be perfect, you can start being yourself.

Lower Your Expectations 

You may find yourself often trying to fulfill expectations that you would never put on your friends and family. You put these on yourself because of the inner critical voice you have learned to abide by to prove your worth.

Are there expectations you have been fulfilling — or trying to fulfill — that do not feel good anymore? What would it look like if you permitted yourself to release these expectations without making it mean there is something wrong with you for not meeting them?

Permit Yourself   

It is common to become so accustomed to following rules and waiting for someone to give you the go-ahead that you may forget that you can do the same for yourself. Give yourself precisely what you need without waiting for someone else’s permission first.

What do you need to permit yourself to do today to be more of yourself even if it does not check the box of perfection? Permit yourself to do what is best for you and not what others want you to do.

Remember Your Value

Do you feel like you constantly have to prove yourself to demonstrate your worth?  Instead of conforming to the rigid, all-or-nothing nature of perfectionism, practice self-compassion and self-acceptance instead.

How can you remind yourself that you are already an excellent person without trying to be? What does it mean to you to be whole?

Beginning to relate to yourself through the lens of self-acceptance instead of a lens of perfection can feel like an identity shift. This is especially true if you have been conditioned to spend your energy managing the demands of perfectionism. At Avalon Malibu, we are here to support you as you understand the roots of your perfectionism and learn how to let it go. We can help you begin to shift the way you relate to yourself to remember your wholeness and reach your full potential. To learn more, call us today at (844) 857-5992.