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This week on the podcast, we’re diving into a major obstacle that often hinders our weight loss journeys—and, quite frankly, many areas of our lives: perfectionism.
One of The Biggest Things That Messes People Up in Weight Loss and Life
The Illusion of Control
Many people proudly label themselves as perfectionists, wearing it like a badge of honor. But let’s be clear: if being a perfectionist is working for you, that’s fantastic! However, if you find that perfectionism is holding you back, then this episode is for you.
Perfectionism is not just a personality trait; it’s a protective mechanism. It stems from our fears—fear of failure, fear of judgment, and anxiety about not meeting expectations. Perfectionism offers the illusion of control, suggesting that if we do everything perfectly, we can avoid the pain of failure and criticism. But in reality, this is a false promise.
The Cycle of Fear and Anxiety
Perfectionism often leads us to ignore the times when it hasn’t served us well. Instead, we focus on the few instances where it felt beneficial, reinforcing the idea that we must strive for flawlessness. This results in a never-ending cycle of fear and anxiety that can paralyze us. We become so afraid of making mistakes that we fail to take action at all.
In weight loss, this manifests as an intense aversion to making mistakes with our diets or exercise plans. Many people find themselves caught in the “start over on Monday” mentality, thinking that if they just reset, they can achieve their goals perfectly. But let’s be real: how often does that actually lead to long-term success?
The Freedom in Acceptance
So, what can we do to break free from this perfectionist trap? The first step is to acknowledge that while we can control our daily actions, we cannot control outcomes. This realization can be both scary and liberating. By shifting our focus from controlling the results to simply taking action, we empower ourselves to move forward without the weight of perfectionism.
Recognizing Patterns and Overcoming Perfectionism
Many people come into my coaching group overwhelmed and hesitant to start. More often than not, they are paralyzed by the fear of messing up. If you find yourself constantly starting and stopping your weight loss journey, it’s essential to dig deeper into these patterns.
You may not need to fix yourself; instead, you might need to reevaluate your approach and understand the fear driving your perfectionism. It’s crucial to recognize whether perfectionism is ruling every aspect of your life or if it manifests more in specific areas.
Five Tips to Overcome Perfectionism
- Let Go of Outcome Control: Accept that the outcome will be what it will be. Focus on what you can control—your daily actions and choices.
- Acknowledge Underlying Fears: Instead of avoiding your fears, confront them. What are you really afraid of? Delving into these fears can diminish their power over you.
- Set “Good Enough” as Your Target: Shift your mindset from seeking perfection to asking yourself, “Is this good enough for now?” This allows for progress without the pressure of perfection.
- Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Understand that mistakes are essential for growth. They are not setbacks; they are vital ingredients for success.
- Be Compassionate with Yourself: Treat yourself as you would a child learning to ride a bike. Encourage kindness and patience rather than harsh criticism.
Perfectionism can feel safe, but it often leads to burnout, procrastination, and a narrow worldview. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and it’s entirely possible to navigate away from perfectionism and towards a more fulfilling weight loss journey. Losing weight is not just about the numbers on a scale; it’s about gaining a life you love. Let’s embrace the messiness of the journey and be kind to ourselves along the way.
