Meditation: Let Go of Perfection
by Dr. Nadia
Many of us are current or recovering perfectionists. Unlike striving to be the best version of ourselves, perfectionism sets an unattainable and unrealistic goal. The harsh inner critic tells us what we have done or currently doing just isn’t good enough because it’s not perfect.
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The quest for perfection usually perpetuates feelings of inadequacy, continuation of unhealthy thought patterns, and can paralyze and prevent a person from moving forward in their life.
For when do we know that we have reached the level of perfection? Or is it just something we know we have not yet achieved?
Is it possible to overcome perfectionism? Read more on the negative effects of perfectionism and the problem with perfectionism.
So, what should we do when we feel stuck or in doubt of our own awesomeness?
Sometimes the best thing is just doing something, taking a step forward and live your best life–even if it isn’t perfect.
You do not need to be perfect to be amazing.
Channel your inner Queen Elsa, and just let it go. Make a conscious effort on reminding yourself to be gentle on yourself and be your own friend.
I’m going say it again for emphasis: you don’t need to be perfect to be perfectly amazing.
Here’s a gentle meditation on letting go and accepting the perfectly amazing person that you are, truly.
Let go
of the pressure to be
perfect, or
whatever it is you think you should be
Realize the power is yours
So let go
of the dysfunctions
to chase perfection
It’s a never-ending circle
full of judgement and critique
won’t give you the freedom
or the validation you may seek
Free yourself from the limits
you place on you.
It can be empowerment at its core
if you can go beyond the safety of your comfort zone
and do what you want to do
Grant yourself
compassion, acceptance, love.
You are and have always been
more than enough,
just as you are
***
Read here for more on mindfulness meditation and how to make it work for you.
Are you a current or recovering perfectionist? How do you deal with the harsh inner critic? Have you tried meditation and if so, how did it go for you?
Would love to hear your experiences!
This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure for more information.
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41 Comments
Mel
April 20, 2018 at 9:46 amThank you!! I really needed this today! I am struggling with my writing because it’s never good enough or ready to share with the world until it’s perfect. It’s something I’m really trying to work on letting go…it’s tough!!
themindfulmdmom
April 20, 2018 at 11:48 amIt is tough! Especially when writing, we want it to be perfect because it is out there once we hit publish. The beauty of most things are that one can also return to that project, thought, or whatever it is that we are working on. In fact, I often come back to my posts to add more thoughts or made edits that I missed the first time. For a funny tidbit, check out my permalink and see what made me giggle regarding perfection. Hint (look for word perfect in it and see what you find).
Elaine Valerie
April 20, 2018 at 10:02 am“You don’t need to be perfect to be amazing.” – I loved this line so much! Right now I’m working on a post-draft about perfectionism, which is very funny, because I just found your article now! Wonderfully written. Thanks for sharing!
themindfulmdmom
April 20, 2018 at 11:42 amThanks, Elaine! It’s interesting how timing works out, right? I’d love to read your article as well.
Kristen Kasper Stuppy
April 20, 2018 at 10:07 amCurrent perfectionist here. I’m working on it, but it’s hard to not be the best for everyone in my life: family, friends, patients. I’ll keep working on it. Thanks for the inspiration and nudge!
themindfulmdmom
April 20, 2018 at 11:40 amNothing wrong with being the best version of ourselves. It’s growth and self improvement. However, many people put extra pressure on themselves to be something for someone else and often making themselves feel bad for not reaching that ideal version. That can definitely take a toll, right? So, as long as your happiness and your authentic self isn’t compromised, keep doing you! You are awesome, Kristen!
Jenny
April 20, 2018 at 10:59 amThis is a great reminder that perfectionism isn’t a goal we should strive to achieve! It could lead to great discontent and meditation will sure help. I used to be about things being perfect but i realized that i an amazing just the way i am, flaws and all. Thanks for sharing!
themindfulmdmom
April 20, 2018 at 11:36 amThanks, Jenny!
Lori N.
April 20, 2018 at 11:27 amThank you for the meditation mantra! I will try this.
themindfulmdmom
April 20, 2018 at 11:35 amAbsolutely! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Emily
April 20, 2018 at 12:58 pmOh yes, perfectionism is like sugar to my anxiety, feeds it something fierce! My inner critic is a LOUD voice… To help, I start my day with a inspirational quote and try to focus my intention for that day to follow the intended inspiration. Thanks for the recommendations!
themindfulmdmom
April 21, 2018 at 12:10 amI love the idea about starting off with an inspirational quote to focus your intention. Thanks, Emily!
How to overcome perfectionism - Elaine Valerie
April 20, 2018 at 1:17 pm[…] editing this blogpost, by coincidence I just found another inspiring post on “The mindful mom”s blog called ‘Meditation to let go of perfectionism’, which I found truly inspiring. Go check […]
Sarah Paul
April 20, 2018 at 4:38 pmGreat post! Sometimes we all need the reminder that we’re enough.
themindfulmdmom
April 21, 2018 at 12:11 amThanks, Sarah! Keep me posted
themindfulmdmom
April 21, 2018 at 12:11 amThanks, Sarah!
Nikki
April 20, 2018 at 7:43 pmI will be taking your words in consideration! I struggle with perfectionism and it often times hinders me from finishing things!! Fantastic post.
Sheila
April 22, 2018 at 2:53 pmThis definitely rings a bell with me. I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older to take everything in stride and not to stress too much!
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:50 pmIt certainly isn’t easy though! Thanks for sharing, Sheila!
Kristy
April 22, 2018 at 10:00 pmI just started to meditate this year and it has made SUCH a big difference. I think taking time out to connect with yourself is so huge!
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:50 pmAbsolutely! Even taking a few minutes to check in with yourself can make such a difference! Thanks, Kristy.
Wrae
April 23, 2018 at 6:45 amI struggled with perfectionism for years but had to learn to let go after falling into a very deep depression after a life changing event. I’m much happier now and not worried as much about being perfect.
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:49 pmThanks for sharing your experience, Wrae!
janna conner
April 23, 2018 at 7:41 pmdefinitely suffering from perfectionist tendancies but recently started attending a weekly group meditation class and it has helped a lot! highly recommend and want to start doing it on my own but find it hard to find quiet space as my husband and I both work from home.
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:49 pmThat’s awesome! Anywhere you feel at ease can be a meditation space. For instance, going in the backyard under your favorite tree, on the patio, or even in a corner of a room where you can light a candle, roll out a blanket or sit on a pillow. Anywhere you can close your eyes and relax for a few minutes can be a ‘space’. Let me know what you find!
Chelsae
April 24, 2018 at 6:24 amWhat a great reminder to read this morning. I am constantly trying to achieve perfection even though I know that is unrealistic. Gotta remember the Elsa reminder! Love that!
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:47 pmI am right there with you, girl! It helps to remember that things do not have to be perfect to be amazing–my mantra, lol!
Tara
April 24, 2018 at 12:47 pmThis was great! I will be adding this into my morning motivation routine. After breakfast my son and I do an exercise routine and then before bed my husband and I do some yoga to wind us down.
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:46 pmThank you, Tara! I am so happy to hear that!
Cristina
April 24, 2018 at 1:48 pmI love this, it’s so important to embrace imperfection! I struggle to meditate but love positive thinking and mantras to help stay focussed
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:46 pmThat’s awesome, Cristina! I love both of those as well
Mrs G
April 25, 2018 at 3:47 pmI am indeed a recovering perfectionist, and i focused on things that did not mean anything on the long run, great post!
themindfulmdmom
May 1, 2018 at 10:45 pmThank you!
Jessica Saldana
May 26, 2018 at 3:35 pmThis is a constant battle but much easier once you make the intentional effort to stop. I find myself in constant internal dialogue to let go. This piece is a great reminder of how important it is to allow the freedom needed to move beyond criticism.
themindfulmdmom
May 28, 2018 at 11:07 amThanks Jessica!
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Lori
July 15, 2018 at 9:22 amThis is wonderful! Thank you so much for this!
themindfulmdmom
July 17, 2018 at 12:27 pmThanks, Lori!
Martin Turner
July 15, 2018 at 9:33 amGreat article really enjoy it.Will give this a go for sure thankyou very much
themindfulmdmom
July 17, 2018 at 12:27 pmThanks, Martin!