How to overcome my perfectionism?

Question

(a perfectionsim that stops me doing what I have to do just a "decent" level....
thx.

Answer 1

Are you what I call a "discouraged perfectionist"? You won't do it at all unless you can do it to the hilt?

If so, that can be very debilitating. You don't do anything, right? And then you feel even more discouraged that it isn't perfect and you don't want to try cuz it's all piled up on you, leading you to feel even more discouraged and unmotivated to try. If that's the case, here's a few suggestions.

1. Know that you're not going to overcome your perfectionism in one fell swoop. That's a perfectionistic thought! :)

2. Speaking of thoughts, start talking/thinking to yourself differently. Notice maybe how critical or negative you speak to yourself and start being your own cheerleader! Even pretend to be someone else (who's positive) and think of what they might say/think.

3. Tackle projects one step at a time. Don't think too much of the "end product" but focus on each step and doing it "good enough". Your "good enough" is probably somebody else's "best"! **And, allow yourself to fail!**
It's okay to mess up. Nobody's perfect!

4. Be patient with yourself, and surround yourself with others who are supportive and patient also. You probably are over-critical of your work already, you don't need others who drag you down, too. (Constructive criticism is good though, if paired with positive comments.)

I hope that helps!

Answer 2

You've answered your own question. Just make it sink in and repeat it to yourself as you take on a task. If I shoot for perfection, I get nothing done. Getting something done at a decent level is WAY BETTER than getting nothing done.