Help, I've Made a Mistake! How to Overcome Perfectionism as a Multipassionate

Introduction

Making mistakes is a universal uncomfortable experience, yet for multipassionates struggling with perfectionism, it often feels overwhelming. The pressure to perform perfectly can lead to feelings of shame and guilt when we slip up. In this blog, we will explore the emotions surrounding mistakes and how to overcome perfectionism, allowing us to embrace our true selves and focus on what really matters.

The Mistake I Made and How I Felt

Recently, I launched my YouTube channel after months of hard work and anticipation. I was thrilled to share the news with my email subscribers, but after sending out the announcement, I quickly noticed a blunder: instead of addressing each recipient by their name, the email simply read "Hi name." My initial reaction was a mix of embarrassment and panic. I felt unprofessional and worried that everyone would unsubscribe from my list, thinking I didn’t even care enough to remember their names. Did you catch the exaggeration in my thoughts—"everyone would unsubscribe"? That’s a sign that I was triggered, which makes it difficult to think clearly and to put the situation into perspective.

This incident triggered my inner critic, which quickly reverted to my core negative belief: that I am not good enough. This belief has roots in my childhood, where I learned to equate acceptance with perfection. As adults, we often carry these beliefs into our professional lives, leading to self-doubt, guilt, and shame whenever we make a mistake.

Why We React So Strongly to Mistakes

Our reactions to mistakes are often influenced by deep-seated beliefs, often formed during childhood. These beliefs were necessary for navigating social contexts and gaining acceptance. However, as adults, we have the opportunity to reassess these beliefs and give ourselves the compassion and understanding we may not have received in the past.

When we make a mistake, especially in a context where we hold ourselves to high standards, it's easy to spiral into negative thoughts. It’s essential to recognize this pattern and understand that these are just scripts playing in our minds. Instead of allowing these thoughts to dictate our self-worth, we can choose to approach them with humor and light-heartedness.

How Perfectionism Stops Us from Doing What’s Important

Perfectionism can be paralyzing. It often leads us to avoid taking risks or trying new things for fear of making mistakes. This avoidance can prevent us from fully engaging in our passions and connecting with others. It’s crucial to understand that striving for perfection is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to our growth and happiness.

Instead of punishing ourselves for not being flawless, we can learn to embrace our imperfections. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. By allowing ourselves to be human, we foster connections with others and create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

Creative Strategies to Cope with Perfectionism

One effective way to cope with perfectionism is to use creativity as a tool for reframing our thoughts. For instance, after my email mishap, I found humor in the situation by creating a song inspired by the mistake. By transforming a negative experience into something fun, I was able to diminish the power of my inner critic.

Here are some innovative strategies to help you cope with perfectionism:

• Reframe your thoughts: Rather than viewing mistakes as failures, consider them as valuable learning opportunities.
• Use humor: Find something amusing about your mistakes to lighten the mood and alleviate stress.
• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding when things don’t go as planned.
• Engage in creative activities: Use art, music, or writing to express your feelings and reframe your experiences in a positive light.

In the Live & Work in Flow 1:1 Coaching Program, I provide personalized guidance and a variety of tools to help you overcome perfectionism and cultivate the versatile job or business you desire. Book your Discovery Call here to see if we are a match.

Short Summary of How to Overcome Perfectionism

Overcoming perfectionism involves recognizing the patterns of negative self-talk and reframing them into more constructive thoughts or playing with the thoughts to make them lose their power. Here’s a quick summary of steps to take:

1. Identify your core negative beliefs and understand their origins.
2. Practice self-compassion and treat yourself as you would a friend.
3. Use creativity to reframe your experiences and find humor in rigid beliefs by saying them with a funny voice or make a hilarious song about it.
4. Focus on connection and the importance of being human, rather than striving for perfection. And surround yourself with people who understand your multifaced nature and tendency to perfectionism, like The Flow Community.

My Question to You

As we wrap up, I’d love to hear from you. When was the last time you made a mistake and felt like hiding under a rock? How did you cope with it? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s support each other in embracing our imperfections.

Remember, making mistakes is completely normal, and they don’t define your worth. Let’s cultivate a culture of compassion and understanding, both for ourselves and others.

If you’d like to explore more about overcoming perfectionism, fill out the Free Flow Scan or schedule a Discovery Call.

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