To All the Perfectionist

I am a perfectionist and I’m proud to be one.

There is a negative connotation surrounding the concept of perfection. I won’t lie; there are aspects that are less than positive, but like most things it’s all about how you handle it.

There are times when it can be consuming. Every task seems daunting, even the simple daily habits. Fixing my hair, throwing together an outfit, or doing my makeup can cause immense pressure in my chest accompanied by hyperventilating. Why do something if you’re not going to do it perfectly? I can’t begin to explain how many days I spend paralyzed by perfection. It’s similar to a sensation of uncertainty, but amplified by anxiety.

It’s easy to let it conquer you and sometimes it does. Truthfully, it probably wins out more often than not, but it should never be the deciding factor on how you chose to live your life. A number of my days have been dictated by perfection. It’s stopped me from going out, it’s stopped me from putting myself together, and it’s even stopped me from doing what I love. I love nothing more than getting to create content, especially written content, but I hold myself {personally} to ridiculous standards. I spend so, so much time editing and rewriting every single piece I post. I always want my pieces to flow smoothly and read raw//real because that’s what they are. I’m always nervous about what those around me will think, which should never be a thing, but I digress. I want my pieces to be enjoyed and relatable if possible. I put every ounce of myself into my work and won’t accept anything less than perfect. I’ve wasted a ton of time because I was more concerned with being perfect than with following my heart.

Y o u  d o  n o t  h a v e  t o  b e  p e r f e c t!

It’s easier said than done, but it can be done. I’ve gone through a handful of cons, but for every con there can always be a pro. I’ll be honest, I’m not an optimistic person, but throughout the years I’ve found a silver lining. Being a perfectionist fuels my ambition in every aspect of my life. It’s taught me to work harder and it’s also taught me how to handle failure. Whether the failure is a pure failure or a failure to meet my own obnoxious standards, I can handle it. If something is debilitating take it one step at a time. Never overlook the simplicity of taking a deep breath.

At the beginning of the year I made a conscious decision to stop getting in my own way. It can be really uncomfortable and anxiety provoking, but it’s exhilarating. I don’t want my life to live me. I want to live my life and I couldn’t do that until I accepted; I’ll always be a perfectionist, but a perfectionist with a purpose.

Don’t be ashamed to be a perfectionist and never, ever feel like you need to apologize for striving for perfection. Perfection has a lot to offer and even more to teach.