I know so many people who are unable to be enjoy life (and let their loved ones enjoy theirs) because they have a perfectionist streak. They have an ‘All or Nothing’ approach in life which makes it harder for them to be contented, be happy.

If you have an ‘All or Nothing’ approach, you won’t feel happy until and unless everything is in your desired state or shape. This can mean many things, depending on your life situation at the moment: It could mean that you won’t rest until every single dish is washed, every toy is picked up, each laundry item has been folded away; you wouldn’t go to sleep unless you have met your deadline; you would stop working out altogether, quit a diet, if you don’t find yourself achieving a certain number on the scale; you stop meeting new people if your love interest had been a jerk; you won’t settle for someone because he doesn’t meet the picture of the ideal guy you have made in your mind.

Working relentlessly is the way to meet your goals, but has it become your lifestyle? Just imagine the kind of stress you are putting yourself under for meeting these goals and expectations.

Let me tell you:

• If you are running behind on your to-do list, it’s OK!
• If your goals haven’t been met so far in 2022, it’s OK!
• If you are feeling under pressure, demotivated, it’s OK!

NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING, is worth killing your self over. Your to-do list is just a tool. Let it not CONTROL your life and your happiness.

• Instead of just giving up altogether in despair, keep trying!
• Enjoy the steps on the way, and not just the end goal!
• Be aware, be mindful of factors surrounding a goal!
• Ask yourself if you had set realistic goals in the first place.
• Pare down and adjust your goals.
• Take small, baby steps in the right direction.
• Don’t forget to take a break, a breath amidst working hard.
• Smell the roses!
• Celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments.

Stop beating yourself about the undone things, unmet goals. Do remember that life is not a sprint run to the endline. It is meant to be lived and loved. Positively affirm to yourself that you are allowing yourself to ENJOY life and things in it AS THEY ARE.

Let’s Hear from You

Do you have an ‘All or Nothing’ approach towards life and work? Or do you know someone who is a perfectionist? How has this attitude impacted your life or of that person? Do you think this attitude is worth the stress or not?