Rational Behaviors to Overcome Perfectionistic Tendencies

To overcome perfectionism one needs to:

• Accept self as a human being
• Forgive self for mistakes or failings
• Put self back on the wagon immediately after falling off
• Accept that the "ideal" is only a guideline or goal to be worked toward, not to be achieved 100%
• Set realistic and flexible time frames for the achievement of a goal
• Develop a sense of patience and to reduce the need to "get it done yesterday"
• Be easier on oneself; setting unrealistic or unreasonable goals or deadlines sets you up for failure.
• Recognize that the human condition is one of the failings, weakness, deviations, imperfections, and mistakes; it is acceptable to be human
• Recognize that one's backsliding does not mean the end of the world, it is okay to pick oneself up and start all over again
• Develop an ability to use "thought stopping" techniques whenever you find yourself mentally scolding yourself for not being "good enough"
• Visualize reality as it will be for a "Human" rather than for a "Super Human"
• Learn to accept yourself the way you are, let go of the ideas of how you "should be"
• Enjoy success and achievement with a healthy self-pride, and eliminate the need for self deprecation or false humility
• Learn to enjoy success without the need to second guess your ability to sustain the achievement
• Reward yourself for your progress
• Love yourself
• Eliminate unrealistic expectations and the idea that you are infallible
• Visualize yourself as "winning" even when it takes more energy and more perseverance than you had planned
• Let go of rigid, moralistic judgements of your performance and develop an open, compassionate understanding for the hard times, obstacles, and temptations.
• Be flexible in setting goals and be willing to reassess your plan from time to time to keep things realistic
• Be open to the idea that you will be successful in your efforts to change, even if you are not "first" "the best" "the model" "the star pupil" "the exemplar" "the finest"
• Realize that the important thing is to be going in a positive direction

A Better Way of Life

I sat trembling as I listened
To the words that were spoken to me.
It seemed I had broken all the rules,
So blinded I failed to see.

The power, that had weakened me,
Led me on a sinful course.
For, now, I found myself frozen
And reeling from great remorse.

Flashbacks, of a life I had led,
Haunted the depth of my soul;
Laws that I recklessly squandered,
While acting out various roles.

This monster, who had promised me
That my life would be rich with fun,
Had taught me how to turn my back
And how my Lord to shun.

Satan is the name that visited,
Stripping the love from my heart~
Until God's presence granted me
Forgiveness and a brand new start!
He told me that His love for us
Will never bend or weaken
And that forgiveness is always granted
When we listen while He is speaking!
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Sorry that it has taken me so long to get a new post up. I have been extremely busy with school and work but have decided to make sure I am taking the time to do things helpful to my recovery. I hope that everyone will continue to find this blog inspirational in times when they are struggling.