Can Being Mindful be the Antidote for Perfectionism?

Mindfulness is often interpreted as something that makes us feel good, but it’s challenging to obtain. We would all love to feel awakened and mindful throughout our daily lives. Still, we recognize that the reality is that we probably won’t. At least this is the attitude you might have if you’re busy focusing on perfectionism.

What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism can be defined as a refusal to accept any standard short of perfection, and the way that it translates into everyday life can be damaging. It’s like setting yourself up to be disappointed every single day. In extreme cases, having a perfectionist mentality can lead to mental disorders like depression or eating disorders.

Perfectionism is not merely striving to do the best you can or being overly driven. But an unrealistic desire and relentlessness to achieve a perfect status. It can be harmful to the individual with the tendency, as well as those they interact with.

How Mindfulness Can Help

How can mindfulness impact someone prone to perfectionism? The key is in surrendering. Some might have the idea that mindfulness is a cloud hanging over them, dictating that to be fully present, one must be forever on top of their thoughts.

However, the true principles of mindfulness are reflective of the exact opposite idea. Mindfulness is an opportunity to drive what is known to the forefront, and to put what is mere speculation in its place, and a means of being okay with the unknown gaps of information.

Can It Help a Perfectionist?

That said, someone who is used to going through life with a perfectionistic view might benefit from finding mindfulness. It can serve as a way to focus on lighter, more positive aspects of life. As well as cause the individual to constantly re-evaluate the information behind their thoughts instead of the ideas themselves.

When this more in-depth investigation happens, the individual is exposed to entirely new thought patterns and perspectives.

Your mind is a powerful thing, and though total mind control isn’t exactly a thing yet, it is possible to rewire your brain according to what you desire. If the mind can control pain to a certain extent, there is nothing to say that the mind cannot control undesired behavior.