Do You Need Help Overcoming Perfectionism?

Overcoming Perfectionism: Stop Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

Do any of these sound familiar?

'Oh no I've fallen off my diet plan. Ok, well, that means today is out. I may as well have that bar of chocolate and I'll start again tomorrow.'

'Once I get this report out of the way I'll be able to concentrate on my diet 100%.'

'After Christmas I'm going to get on it. Exercising, eating healthily. I've got to make sure all of the chocolate and wine is finished by then.'

'I'm starting a new exercise programme. I've got to get some new gym clothes, a gym bag and the equipment and then I'm ready. I'll get going.'

If they do, you could be suffering from perfectionism.

Overcoming Perfectionism: What is the problem with wanting everything to be perfect?

Wanting everything to be perfect is not a problem in itself, but it can sabotage your weight loss goals.

Why?

Well, have you noticed the common theme with all of the statements above? You're putting off 'doing' until everything is perfect.

But the problem is, life isn't perfect. It's messy.

Work, kids, family, holidays, celebrations, bereavements, stress, aches and pains. They all add to the messiness and un-perfectness of life. And you have to learn to deal with these if your weight loss is going to be permanent.

I get it. I really do.

I'm massively guilty of striving for perfection. And putting stuff off until I get there.

But, if you keep putting it off, whatever it is, you'll never succeed.

As the old cliché goes, every journey starts with a first step. And if you don't take that first step you'll never get to your destination.

How do you overcome perfectionism? How do you start to be imperfect?

1. Overcoming Perfectionism: Focus on the Big Picture

Just how important, in the grand scheme of things are your goals?

I'm not saying you should just give up on them, but are they more important than having a lie in with your husband on a Sunday morning?

Are they more important than taking your friend out for a drink when she really needs a shoulder to cry on?

Are they more important than having a slice of cake with your child on their birthday?

You absolutely can work towards your goals as well as doing all of these things. It might take a bit longer, but again, does that matter in the grand scheme of things?

By being that bit more flexible you'll learn a lot more about yourself, and you'll come out the other side more resilient and much, much happier.

2. Overcoming Perfectionism: Be Realistic and Learn to be Flexible

Life is never perfect. The sooner you learn to accept that the better.

It's more fun when it's not perfect anyway.

Instead of wasting time and energy striving for the perfect situation, learn to be flexible. Adapt your healthy lifestyle to the messiness of your life.

Ok so you're travelling for work making healthy eating and training a bit harder. Can you go self-catering rather than hotel? That way you'll have more control over what you eat. You'll also have a bit more room to do a body weight workout.

If that's not an option, could you have a week off training? Sometimes that can do you the world of good. And as for eating out, well you know what's healthy and what's not. Make the best decision you can.

3. Overcoming Perfectionism: Put Things in Perspective

So you've had glass of wine.

It's not on your plan, but is it really going to derail you that much? Is it worth writing off the entire day, or even week?

Even if it does slow down your weight loss for that week, and I doubt one glass of wine would do that, there are other areas that are still improved.

Your health.

Being able to walk up the stairs without getting out of breath.

How about all of those lovely people you've met from your exercise class.

One glass of wine, bar of chocolate or portion of chips is not going to undo all of those things.

Overcome your Perfectionism

Stop putting it off.

Overcoming perfectionism can be the key to your weight loss success.

Do something today that will lead towards your weight loss goals.

And tomorrow do two things.

You'll find it easier when you just accept that life is messy and imperfect.

And hey, it may even make the journey more enjoyable.

Give me a shout if you want any help overcoming perfectionism.

© e-Slimmer 2021