When Perfectionism is Destructive
And how being perfectly imperfect will help you thrive
In my last article, I discussed a powerful way to overcome imposter syndrome — which is to first acknowledge your belief and then try to reframe it.
You do this by writing down your initial thoughts of fraud or inadequacy, and then follow that up by writing about the actual truth… which is usually evidence that dismantles the false and unwarranted belief.
This is a tool anyone can use effectively.
But today, I want to discuss method #2 for overcoming imposter syndrome — and to do that, we have to understand why many people deal with imposter syndrome in the first place.
If you’re anything like me, this will resonate a lot with you.
So, without further ado, let me introduce method #2.
Easing into imperfection
That’s right — imperfection.
How does that word make you feel?
For many, imperfection simply isn’t an option.
Everything MUST be perfect.
But guess what?
Imposter syndrome and perfectionism go hand in hand.
They’re buddies… pals… two peas in a pod, even.
Where you find one, you’ll usually find the other.
And that’s the problem.
Perfectionists tend to hold themselves to impossible standards — they expect themselves to accomplish every task flawlessly and have no room for error.
If something’s not perfect, it’s a failure — and that’s when imposter syndrome typically creeps in.
Even more…
If you wait for everything to be perfect, chances are good you’ll rarely get anything done — you’ll overwork yourself trying to get everything just right… and your energy, productivity, drive, and output will suffer because of it.
Don’t do that to yourself.
Instead, ease your way into imperfection.
Finish a project before you deem it ‘perfect.’
Deliver something that isn’t quite as meticulous as you’d like.
If you continue allowing yourself to believe that everything must be perfect… you're inviting imposter syndrome to take over your thoughts and highlight every area that you’re inadequate and doing something wrong.
This is a one-way ticket to a first-class breakdown.
Understand this and then start giving yourself room to make more errors… allow yourself to deliver something that isn’t quite perfect… and give yourself the gift of allowing imperfection into your life.
Because guess what?
You’re perfectly imperfect just the way you are. Period.
You always have been and you always will be.
And when you start allowing more imperfection into your life, you’ll start taking away the power that imposter syndrome has over you.
It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true.
Your perfectionism has been feeding the imposter syndrome beast all along — and if you want to overcome it, you’ll have to convince yourself that doing less, in this case, is actually more.
Now go ease yourself into that imperfection and watch as those feelings of inadequacy slowly start to melt away.
But what if you’ve acknowledged your imposter syndrome… tried to reframe your beliefs around it… allowed more imperfection into your life… yet are still feeling an overwhelming sense of fraud and inadequacy?
What do you do then?
Well, in that case, there’s only one thing left to do.
And if you commit to doing it — along with everything else we’ve discussed — there’s absolutely no way imposter syndrome can continue to thrive.
Join me here again tomorrow when all will be revealed.
Until then, go forth and be a little less perfect today.
Your feelings of worth are counting on it.
Halt right there!
If you enjoyed this daily musing, why not show it some love or share your thoughts below? Either way, you’re awesome & I appreciate you reading 😊
