How To Beat Perfectionism

Jun 21, 2019 | Clinical Psychotherpy

perfectionism counseling therapy Edmond ok

Immaculate woman buttons up her blue shirt

 

Being perceived as a perfectionist might seem like a compliment, but often it doesn’t lead to that much success. Perfectionists strive to be extremely hard-working, diligent and willing to do whatever it takes to get something right, but it can ultimately become unhealthy.
Is it possible to beat perfectionism? With the help of enough counseling and an entire change in the thought process, there is a chance to turn things around. Here are a few basic tips on getting started.
Always be realistic
Everyone should have a goals. A perfectionist usually has goals that are attainable, and then goals that are pretty much impossible to read. Be realistic with how much time is available to reach any goal.
By setting more realistic goals, more focus can be put on doing whatever possible to reach them. It’s much easier to have success reaching three very distinct goals rather than attempting to somehow reach 10 in a short amount of time.
Reduce social media use
Social media has its advantages for sure, but for perfectionists, it can lead to a lot of unneeded stress. Going on Instagram, Facebook or any other major social networking site is going to show the very best of each individual’s life. It might seem like everyone is vacationing and getting promotions to a new job, but it’s important to know that only the highlights usually make for interesting posts.
Getting caught up in trying to be better than others through the lens of social network is just not worth it. Resist the urge to check constantly, and even consider not checking it at all.
Learn to fail, and learn to fail in front of others
This is actually a two-step process for people who are really struggling to get over being a perfectionist all the time. The first step is to simply learn how to fail, and then be comfortable enough to do it in front of others.
The most important thing to remember is, failure can lead to success later on. Think about learning a brand new instrument. It is simply impossible for a person with no musical background to play piano at a high level without a decent amount of practice. It involves a lot of failures along the way, but ultimately initial frustration and a lot of patience can lead to success.
One of the hardest things for a perfectionist to get over is the fear of being wrong in front of others. In an ideal world, it would be great to always have the best opinion and the answer to everything. It’s just not realistic. Speak up on topics that you might not be an expert on. Jump out of your comfort zone. You don’t always have to be the right one in a group of friends.
Seek professional help
Realizing that being a perfectionist can actually be an issue takes time. In order to actually get over it, consider seeking a counselor locally. We provide options for anyone looking for individual counseling Edmond Oklahoma or Christian counseling Oklahoma City Oklahoma. Those in the area always have an opportunity to sit down and go over a number of ways to reduce stress levels and live a healthier life. Call Kevon Owen at 405-740-1249 or you can visit him on the web at https://www.kevonowen.com.

Upcoming Books

Recent Post

PTSD Symptoms People Often Miss

Post-traumatic stress disorder is often reduced to flashbacks and nightmares, but many overlooked symptoms show up in quieter ways. Trouble sleeping, irritability, emotional numbness, shame, avoidance, body tension, concentration problems, and a constant sense of...

A Simple Gratitude Practice That Actually Sticks

Gratitude is often framed as a quick fix, yet many people give up on the habit after a few days because it feels forced, repetitive, or disconnected from real life. A simple gratitude practice that lasts is usually small, flexible, and grounded in daily experience....

Depression Signs and When It’s Time to Get Help

    Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Millions of people live with depression for months or even years before recognizing it for what it is — or before reaching...

Time Management That Protects Your Work-Life Balance

 Better time management is not about squeezing more work into the day. It is about protecting energy, relationships, sleep, and mental health while still meeting real responsibilities. This guide explains practical scheduling, boundary-setting, and stress-management...

Parenting Teens with Firm Limits and Real Empathy

 Parenting a teenager can feel like walking a tightrope. Too strict, and the relationship shuts down. Too loose, and safety, school, and mental health can slide fast. The goal is not “control.” The goal is steady leadership with real connection - firm limits paired...

Adult ADHD: What It Really Looks Like and How to Manage It

  Adult ADHD is often missed because it does not always look "like "hyperactivity." Many adults show it through time blindness, scattered focus, emotional reactivity, chronic overwhelm, and unfinished tasks that quietly stack up. This page explains what adult...

Quieting Your Inner Critic: Practical Self-Compassion

   An inner critic can sound like “helpful motivation,” but it often fuels stress, shame, and burnout. Self-compassion is not self-pity or letting things slide. It is a skill set that builds steadier self-talk, better coping, and healthier choices. This guide...

Rebuilding Connection: Couple Communication That Works

Kevon Owen Christian Counseling Clinical Psychotherapy OKC — 10101 S Pennsylvania Ave C, Oklahoma City, OK 73159 — 405-740-1249 / 405-655-5180 — https://www.kevonowen.com When couples feel disconnected, the path back toward trust and closeness usually runs through...

Anxiety or Everyday Worry? How to Tell the Difference

     Worry is a normal problem-solving response to real-life stress. Anxiety often feels bigger than the moment, harder to shut off, and more likely to show up in the body. The clearest divider is impact: when the thoughts and physical stress start to limit...

Mindful Micro-Breaks for Fast Stress Relief

 Stress often builds in small, quiet ways. A tense jaw. Shallow breaths. A racing mind between meetings. Mindful micro-breaks are short pauses, usually 30 seconds to 5 minutes, that help the body shift out of “go mode” and back into steadier ground. These breaks do...