Mermaids and Unicorns

While perfectionism often involves hard work with scads of loyalty and integrity (noble characteristics indeed), striving for it can increase anger, depression, and even burnout.  It’s the epitome of chasing a moving, unreachable target.  Brené Brown shares, perfectionists cling to perfectionism despite it being the “100-ton armor they carry around.”  Can you say exhaustion?  

Since perfection is so rare, this unattainable goal almost always increases negativity. In fact, perfectionism many times is a rather self-defeating way to move through the day, as it is built on an uncomfortable irony.  The irony being that in order to grow, learn and be human, it requires making and admitting mistakes. Go figure.

Releasing perfectionist tendencies can be so very difficult, especially since many confuse it with ambition and drive.  However, the desire to be perfect is far and above different than the desire to excel (possibly another topic for another day).

So, question: When was the last time your perfectionist tendencies (or maybe someone else’s) had you/them grabbing life by the horns and celebrating all the victories experienced?  Hmmmmmm. Could be that a healthy perfectionist falls under the category of mythical creature, like a mermaid or a unicorn. And although a lovely fairy tale for some, maybe not ideal for most.