Perfectionism

Nah, I don't struggle with this. What I struggle with is the fear that I'm not pretty, smart, successful or thin enough.

Well, isn't that perfectionism? Where nothing is ever good enough? On the other hand, when I am plagued by these feelings, I couldn't tell you how much WOULD be enough!

How much is enough for you? Do you know you struggle with this, or do you wonder if it's a struggle?  Or are you like me, trying to call it by any other name? LOL!

I was perusing various definitions of the word, "perfectionism" and the word "overachiever" came up several times. I don't really consider myself an overachiever - professionally, that is. Sometimes I feel I've not achieved much of anything in the world, and that bothers me. On the other hand, maybe I am associating "achieving" with "the latest technological discovery in neurological science", or something exciting like that. Yes, I think that's me - I tend to look at others and compare myself to them. Unless I am a modern day Thomas Edison, I am nothing. I'll always lose with comparison.

If I get real with myself, I have to admit, I've done pretty well with the raw materials I was given. I have  experienced victory over multiple addictions like overeating, bulimia, drugs and alcohol. I help people with their health, fitness and food. I have a child I fiercely love and ask God daily to help me raise her the way He wants her to be raised. I have a peaceful and harmonious marriage to the man I have loved for nearly 16 years - and the list could go on.

So, I think I may be on to something - maybe you can help me out here. If perfectionism is focusing on what we don't have or what we aren't, then maybe the way out of perfectionism is focusing on different things like what we do have and what we are. In other words if I change my state of mind, be grateful and decide that today I will have a positive attitude, I'll forget about the negativity associated with those perfectionistic thoughts. And when those negative thoughts that "I'm not good enough" come in, I have the choice to let them in my head or keep them out.

What do you think? Could this be the solution? What is your experience with perfectionism? If you have ever written a list of things to be grateful for: a gratitude list - what did it do for you? Did it change your attitude? Did it help you focus on other things?

I would love to hear your feedback on this issue. If there is something else you have combatted perfectionism with, I want to know what it is!!