Exploring the good for you side of letting go of perfectionism

Brené Brown, a renowned research professor, author, and speaker, has extensively studied and written about perfectionism. She defines perfectionism as "a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of blame, judgment, and shame."

Brown emphasizes that perfectionism is not the same as healthy striving or self-improvement; instead, it is driven by a fear of failure and a need for external validation. In her book "The Gifts of Imperfection," she discusses how the pursuit of perfection can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and disconnection from others.

As stated by clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo in her book "Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love," "Perfectionism is not a means to an end; it is a never-ending, always-demanding, and self-defeating cycle." Research reveals that perfectionists are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders 

Moreover, perfectionism often inhibits productivity and performance. In a study by researcher Dr. Paul Emmons, it was found that perfectionists tend to procrastinate more than non-perfectionists due to fear of failure, which in turn impacts their performance negatively. 

To counter perfectionism, experts suggest focusing on progress rather than perfection, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and developing self-compassion. By shifting our mindset and recognizing that perfection is an unattainable goal, we can cultivate healthier, more sustainable approaches to success.