You want everything to be just right, and it’s keeping you from getting anything done!
You like things the way you like them, and you have super high standards. You enjoy setting goals and thinking big, but you often find that you get in your own way. You get a lot done compared to most people around you, but you can never quite get to where you want to go.
Although you’re a workaholic and ready to prove yourself to the world, you find yourself continuously getting stuck or not being able to see your dreams come to life. The project or endeavor is underway but you still feel like your work isn’t ready to share with the world, it’s not perfect, and it’s not good enough. What if you’re not good enough and you never will be?
You’re Scared to Put Your Work (and Yourself) Out There if it’s Not Perfect
Just thinking about sharing your work with your friend, boss, or the world gives you anxiety. You notice your body getting tense when you hear someone is about to provide feedback or criticism on something you’ve done. When you make a mistake, your heart beats out of your chest and the slew of harsh comments start flowing, all in your head and towards yourself.
You keep hearing that your standards are high, but they’re highest for yourself. Even if someone gives you a compliment or positive feedback, you find ways to dismiss or negate it….it’s just too uncomfortable to accept good things about yourself.
Perfectionism Affects Your Behaviors, Your Thoughts, Your Emotions, AND Your Relationships
We’ve heard every perfectionist reference and joke in the book. “I’m trying not to be a perfectionist, I’ve been working on it for ages now”, “I need to have everything in order, so when I die no one will judge me”, “Not everyone can be perfect, there’s so few of us out there”. I’ve remarked on several occasions that I’m a recovering perfectionist, and I still have reactions to seeing all those signs in Target proclaiming “Progress, Not Perfection.”
Perfectionism goes much deeper than OCD, and organization comments-it really does affect the way you act, think, and feel about what’s going on in your world. Even though it’s helped you achieve your goals it also leads to procrastination, anxious thoughts, harsh criticisms, guarded relationships, and self-defeating patterns.
Perfectionism Counseling Can Help You Get Out of Your Own Way
How many times have you backed out or made excuses to not try new things, simply because you’re afraid you’ll fail? Fear of failure and constant worrying can keep you stuck and impedes your ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships in your life. You’ve probably pushed people away by remaining guarded and scared that you’ll do something wrong or show an imperfection. Although many people see perfectionism as a good thing, you know just how painful, lonely, and sad it can be.
No One is Perfect, That’s Why Pencils Have Erasers
Therapy gives you a chance to take a breath. There’s no judgment and no pressure, just space and lots of compassion. We’ll give you coping skills and help you bring some things into awareness, as well as challenge your behavioral and thought patterns. We’ll also help you make a plan to start showing yourself authentically to the world, engage in some risk-taking, and learn that better is the enemy of good enough.
Most importantly, you’ll get to develop and grow an amazing relationship with your therapist, who will help you see that you are worthy and valuable. You’ll be able to walk away by the end with full confidence that even if you don’t get it all “right” or make mistakes in the future, you are 100% enough.
If you’re ready to let go of your harsh self-talk, guarded relationships, and perfectionistic ways, we can help you. Contact us at (832) 827-3288 to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation so we can discuss your needs.
Begin Perfectionism Counseling in Texas
Being a perfectionist may seem overwhelming at times, and keep you from being your best self. At Center for Couples Counseling, we want to provide you with the support and guidance to help you accept yourself and manage your perfectionism symptoms. To get started in perfectionism counseling follow these simple steps:
Meet with one of our skilled therapists
Begin to accept yourself as a perfectionist
Other Services Offered at Center for Couples Counseling
Our team understands you might be facing different mental health challenges. Our Texas practice offers both in-person and online therapy. Our team of therapists specializes in individual relationship therapy, infertility counseling, postpartum anxiety and depression counseling, therapy for self-care and burnout, infidelity counseling and affair recovery, and couples therapy. For more about us check out our FAQs and blog!