How not to be a Perfectionist Masterclass

Perfectionism is a pattern to get set up early in life. Sadly, we don't see it happening or its effects until it becomes a problem. I know, as I have been perfectionist and I've had to do the work to overcome this unhelpful identity.
Perfectionism means you are always chasing the absolute best. Invariably, that means everything else is simply not good enough. In its most unhelpful form, it means you don't take action and avoid opportunities. In my experience, The need to prove you're the best is the core problem. It's important to ask the question - who are you trying to prove this to? And what you would happen if you could prove you were the best?
Most of us know in reality there are so many variables in life and business which means even if you're at your best today that's likely to change tomorrow. I'm packing the meaning behind this will free you. This is work I've done on myself and many times with clients. Perfectionism is a rigged game so best to develop a better strategy.
One of the most important steps, and liberating, steps is to explore what mistakes mean about you. The perfectionist is likely to define themselves based on what’s gone wrong. For example, “if I get something wrong in my work, that means I'm no good at my job”. Then, if we follow this belief you’ll find it goes deeper. If you believe the mistake means you're no good at your job do you have a negative internal feeling and belief? Do you, on some level, actually believe you are ‘no good’ as a person. This can be a difficult realisation (I've had to go to this) but it can highlight how this perfectionism pattern is so damaging.
Although this is an uncomfortable process, it is for most people largely untrue. When I help people through this difficult stage we find so much evidence to prove that they are successful in so many areas. And more importantly, we can separate out their ‘goodness’ as a person from any behaviour or actions they do. ‘Who’ we are (identity) and ‘what’ we do (behaviour) are separate phenomena. We need to know this.
This doesn't mean that your standards will slip. On the contrary, you'll be free to be more creative and make an impact. It's far more effective and rewarding to seek excellence. When things don't go the way you want or mistakes happen, they become learning sources for your growth. Having high standards it's a positive thing. When mistakes happen, they are no longer about your identity, they are natural consequences in living courageously.