Calling All Perfectionists!

"The perfect is the enemy of the good."  ~Voltaire

• Do you have an opinion about everything and always need to have the last word?
• Are you hyper-sensitive to criticism?  
• Do you often feel like you are not good enough and should do more? 
• Have you ever re-done a chore or homework for your children, spouse or a co-worker because it was not to your standard? 
• Do you overcommit and then stress out trying to do it all?  
• Have you been labeled as an over-achiever, know-it all, teacher's pet, micro-manager, narcissist or control freak?  
• Do you seem confident, but suffer from low self-esteem?  
• Is it hard for you to admit failure or to ask for help?
• Do your compliments often end with a back-door jab?
• Are you content in your discontent and misery?
• Are you your own worst critic?
• Do you constantly judge others?
• Do you often feel anxious or exhibit ADD/ADHD or OCD behaviors?

If you answered yes to more than one of these, you may be a perfectionist. Perfectionism tends to infiltrate every aspect of life - from the workplace to child-rearing.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a perfectionist as having a "disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable."  It is a double edged sword - the classic paradox.....you have to be perfect, but no one can be perfect.  It can drive you mad.

Being a perfectionist is often hard to admit because you have probably been one all your life.  Many of us come by it honestly, having been raised by one or two perfectionistic parents with high expectations.   I come from a long line of them on both sides.  It is a daily ongoing struggle, but there is hope.  

I am not a therapist or psychiatrist, but simply a self-proclaimed perfectionist on this wild and crazy ride we call life. If you struggle with perfectionism, or know someone who does, I invite you to join me on a journey of introspection and encouragement.

"This God - his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; 

He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him."  Psalm 18:30