Think you’re not a perfectionist? Think again.
Perfectionism isn’t always about having an immaculate house or colour-coded sock drawer. It can be sneaky, lurking beneath the surface and masquerading as other traits. If these signs sound familiar, it’s time to face the music: you might be a perfectionist in disguise. But don’t worry, this isn’t about judgment. It’s about understanding yourself better and learning to let go of unrealistic expectations.
1. Your to-do lists are never-ending (and never get done).
Your to-do list isn’t just a helpful tool; it’s a monument to your unrealistic expectations. You add tasks faster than you can tick them off, setting yourself up for failure and frustration. It’s time to prioritise and be realistic about what you can achieve in a day.
2. You procrastinate like a pro.
You put off tasks not because you’re lazy, but because the fear of not doing them perfectly is paralysing. The longer you wait, the higher the stakes, the more pressure you feel, and the less likely you are to even start. Break tasks into smaller chunks and focus on progress, not perfection.
3. You’re your own harshest critic.
You’re quick to point out your flaws and downplay your achievements. Even when you succeed, you focus on what could have been better. It’s time to practice self-compassion and recognise that you’re human, not a machine.
4. You have a hard time delegating.
You’d rather do everything yourself than risk someone else messing it up. But guess what? No one is perfect, including you. Delegating doesn’t mean giving up control; it means trusting people and freeing up your time and energy for more important things.
5. You’re always apologising (even when it’s not your fault).
Source: Unsplash “Sorry” is your default response, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. You take on responsibility for things that are outside your control, leading to unnecessary stress and guilt. It’s time to own your mistakes, but also to stop apologising for simply existing.
6. You struggle to make decisions.
Source: Unsplash You overthink every choice, weighing the pros and cons endlessly. You’re terrified of making the wrong decision, so you often end up making no decision at all. It’s time to trust your gut and accept that there’s no such thing as a perfect choice.
7. You’re a chronic overthinker.
Source: Unsplash Your mind is a constant whirlwind of thoughts, worries, and what-ifs. You analyse every situation from every angle, searching for the perfect solution. It’s time to quiet the noise and learn to live in the present moment.
8. You have trouble relaxing.
Source: Unsplash Even when you’re supposed to be chilling out, your mind is racing with all the things you need to do. You feel guilty for not being productive, so you end up feeling stressed and exhausted even when you’re not doing anything. It’s time to give yourself permission to relax and recharge.
9. You have high standards (for yourself and other people).
Source: Unsplash You expect the best from yourself and those around you. While this can be a positive trait, it can also lead to disappointment and frustration when reality doesn’t meet your expectations. It’s time to adjust your standards and accept that imperfection is part of life.
10. You’re overly organised.
Everything has its place, and you have a system for everything. While this can be helpful, it can also become a source of stress when things don’t go according to plan. It’s time to embrace a little chaos and learn to go with the flow.
11. You’re always comparing yourself to other people.
You measure your success against other people’s achievements, feeling inadequate when you don’t measure up. This can lead to a constant feeling of never being good enough. It’s time to focus on your own journey and celebrate your unique strengths and accomplishments.
12. You have difficulty accepting compliments.
When someone praises you, you deflect, downplay, or dismiss it. You don’t believe you deserve the praise, so you find ways to undermine it. It’s time to learn to accept compliments graciously and recognise your own worth.
13. You’re afraid of failure.
Source: Unsplash The fear of failure keeps you from taking risks and trying new things. You’d rather play it safe than face the possibility of not being perfect. It’s time to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and allow yourself to make mistakes.
14. You have trouble letting go of mistakes.
Source: Unsplash You dwell on past mistakes, replaying them in your mind and beating yourself up. You struggle to forgive yourself and move on. It’s time to accept that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to not be perfect.
15. You have difficulty saying no.
Source: Unsplash You agree to things you don’t want to do because you don’t want to disappoint people or appear incapable. This can lead to overcommitment and burnout. It’s time to learn to say no without guilt and prioritise your own needs.
16. You struggle to ask for help.
Source: Unsplash You believe you should be able to handle everything on your own, even when you’re struggling. This can lead to isolation and resentment. It’s time to recognise that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
