The Cost of Being Perfect

Perfectionism is another common risk factor associated with Eating Disorders. Primarily perfectionism is related to Anorexia Nervosa. In my work with people I have seen perfectionism with people who are restricting food.

Perfectionism is the desire to be perfect in all areas of life. You strive to be the best at everything. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to be the best. Because this is not attainable, people will make mistakes. You are your worst critic and you are very hard on yourself. This only fuels your desire to be better.

Being stubborn is a good quality to achieve goals, but perfectionism causes you to not like yourself. With en eating disorder you are never happy with your weight or body. You see a weight or ideal body type and compare yourself to that. You cannot achieve the perfect body so you restrict more or you work out harder.

Distorted body image is associated with eating disorders and perfectionism. Treating an eating disorder can take time. If you struggle with perfectionism is to think about this affirmation. There is no “ah-ha” moment. You never reach your full moment in life because once you reach your full actualization than life is over.

Look for the little “ah-ha” moments throughout the day. What are smaller “ah-ha’s” today? There were great and wonderful moments today, but perfectionism steals these from you because you tell yourself it is not good enough. Slow down and look for the good moments in today. If you spend your days wanting to achieve your “I’ve arrived moment” you are going to miss out on a lot of great moments now.

What was your “ah-ha” moment today? Share below and lets all celebrate the big victories in each day.