Perfectionist?

I so love to think I can do things perfectly.

From folding sheets to writing reports to selecting the best dog food, I can do it PERFECTLY if I put enough time and effort into what I'm doing.

I mean serious time, with much research and thought and preparation.

It feels so good to be the best...but wait.

It's not perfect!!!

The sheets didn't fold into a lovely square.

The report had a typo.

The dog didn't like the food.

FAILURE!!

After all that heart-felt effort, I wasn't able to do it perfectly.

So next time, I will try harder. I'll spend more time, more energy, more resources. I want it to all be perfect—the perfect party, the perfect gift, the perfect... everything.

I mean, that's what we are supposed to do, right?

Get an A+ on everything in life.

Be the envy of those around us.

But it's all a lie.

Hi, I'm Alisa, and I'm a recovering perfectionist.

Being a perfectionist sounds so lovely.

You are the star student, doing the best work.

But it is not what it seems.

Perfectionism kills creativity.

Perfectionism kills spontaneity.

Perfectionism kills productivity.

Perfectionism gives us an excuse to procrastinate.

Perfectionism = Never.

I'm learning to be brave enough for things not to be perfect. You can too.

Best,

Alisa