Well I’ve been thinking about this topic heavily for the past few days. The original thoughts came from several experiences with me being out and about and in uncomfortable situations. I’ve realized how gripping perfectionism can be on one’s mind. You may be wondering what perfectionism even is. It is the tendency to place unrealistic demands on yourself or others. Perfectionism can lead to anxiety, stress and can show up as headaches, tense muscles or even panic attacks.
Wow! Right. I remember being so confident saying in interviews how much of a perfectionist I am, not realizing that it is more harmful than good. I’ve had moments where I would make sure everything looked perfect with me and my son so no one would make an ill joke or give a look of discontentment. Do you know, you can have everything together and someone will still have something negative to say? I had to realize that through experience.
It may be even ensuring you show up hours before time neglecting eating or sufficient sleep, that you cross every T and dot every I. It could be that you take hours to finish a project that could have been done in 15 minutes because you kept going back to make corrections and revisions. It could be you spent 6 months researching on how to do something because you wanted to know all the details and never actually executed because you got overwhelmed with all the information.
Perfectionism can be a crutch, and it limits growth, skill development, progress, and new opportunities. It is better to allow the grace of God to overflow in your life and make intentional acts of faith knowing that if you fall, you can get right back up and try again. I want to share some helpful tips in overcoming perfectionism.
Embrace the Grace of God Over Your Performance
God’s grace is something that isn’t earned, but freely given. It is his unmerited favor. You have to know that no matter what you set your mind to, when you commit your works to the Lord and align with His will, he will establish the plan. We all fall short, every single day, but we each have the opportunity to yield and surrender to God giving Him control that he can lead and direct us.
Acknowledge God’s Strength In Your Weaknesses
I have been there where I pressed and pressed and eventually my strength was exhausted. I had nothing left and ended up in exhaustion and frustration because I was trying to do it on my own. Being a single mom is not an easy task and I constantly have to pull on God’s strength, knowing that He knows what is best for me in these seasons of my life, and that through it all He gives His grace which is sufficient for me.
Focus On God’s Thoughts of You, Not The World’s
I realized that knowing who you are in Christ is of the utmost importance. You constantly need to remind yourself of God’s thoughts towards you. He created you in His image and likeness. He calls you fearfully and wonderfully made. He took His time even before the foundations of the earth. No matter what the world may try to label you or judge you by; you have to have an inner knowing and confidence of who you are. It matters so much.
Live In The Freedom of Christ, Not Bondage
Freedom starts in the mind. If you don’t think that you are free how can your actions show that. Christ has made us free from the yokes of bondage. We are free indeed. The renewing of the mind with the word should be a daily routine. There will be moments where you feel like giving up or a task or circumstance may seem impossible, but knowing that you are already made free and can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.
Operate in Humility
It is also important to not be prideful or unwilling to take constructive criticism. I’m reminded of the verse in Luke 14:10, it states, “But when thou are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, friend, go up higher: then shall thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.” It is better to be humble and operate in humility that you may be lifted at the proper time. Allowing yourself to be teachable that you may learn different skill sets and grow and embrace new opportunities with joy.
Let Go of The Fear of Failing, Embrace The New Opportunity
Releasing that fear of failure can seem like a difficult task. The way I see it, is if you never try it how would you know if it is successful or not. How will you know if it is something that you will enjoy? There have been moments where I would try to talk myself out of doing something because I was afraid or I didn’t know how it would go, but you have to know that God is with you through it all. I’m reminded of Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy GOd: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
I hope this has blessed you today! How can you use these tools in your everyday life? Meditate on it and write it out. You can also check out my newest journal, “He Restores My Soul” available on amazon:https://amzn.to/3BPDIwX