Perfection: The Art of Self-Sabotage

Perfection: The Art of Self-Sabotage

## The Double-Edged Sword of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often regarded as a desirable trait, pushing individuals to strive for excellence and achieve high standards. However, this relentless pursuit of flawlessness can become a double-edged sword, severely impacting one's progress and mental health.

**The Motivational Aspect of Perfectionism**

On the positive side, perfectionism can motivate individuals to give their best. It encourages meticulousness, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. This drive can lead to significant achievements and a sense of accomplishment when goals are met. However, the dark side of perfectionism often overshadows these benefits.

**Psychological Toll of Perfectionism**

Perfectionism is closely linked to various psychological problems, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant pressure to meet unattainable standards can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, as individuals fear failure and judgement. This stress is compounded when perfectionists fail to meet their own high expectations, leading to self-doubt and despair (Mandel et al., 2022; WebMD, 2023; Greenspon, 2022).

Research indicates that self-critical perfectionism is a significant risk factor for depression. It predisposes individuals to think and behave in ways that exacerbate depressive symptoms, creating a cycle of stress and mental health issues (Mandel et al., 2022; Kang, Mandell and Eadeh, 2022). Moreover, perfectionists often experience low self-worth and a heightened vulnerability to imposter syndrome, where they feel inadequate despite their accomplishments (WebMD, 2023).

**The Monkey Trap Analogy**

A powerful analogy to understand the trap of perfectionism is the "old South Indian Monkey Trap," as described in Robert Pirsig's *Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance*. In this trap, a monkey reaches into a hollowed-out coconut to grab rice but cannot withdraw its clenched fist. The monkey is trapped by its inability to let go of the rice, symbolising how perfectionists can become trapped by their own rigid standards and inability to let go of their need for perfection (Sirois, Molnar and Hirsch, 2022).

**Rethinking Values and Letting Go**

To escape the perfectionism trap, individuals must reassess their values and decide whether to continue being trapped by them or to seek freedom. Embracing a mindset that allows for mistakes and learning from them, rather than fearing failure, can lead to healthier mental and emotional well-being. This shift in perspective can help perfectionists find a balance between striving for excellence and accepting imperfections (Greenspon, 2022).

**Conclusion**

To summarise, perfectionism is indeed a double-edged sword. Whilst it can drive individuals to excel, it often leads to despair, self-doubt, and various psychological issues. Understanding the detrimental effects of perfectionism and adopting healthier coping strategies can help individuals achieve their goals without sacrificing their mental health.

References:

Greenspon, T., 2022. Perfectionists: Lowering your standards can improve your mental health. The Washington Post, [online] Available at: <https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/19/perfectionism-anxiety-excellence/> [Accessed 16 August 2024].

Kang, S.M., Mandell, G.A. and Eadeh, F.R., 2022. Academic Perfectionism, Psychological Well-Being, and Suicidal Risk: The Roles of Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), p.243.

Mandel, T., Dunkley, D.M., Lewkowski, M., Zuroff, D.C., Lupien, S.J., Juster, R.P., Ng Ying Kin, N.M.K., Foley, P., Myhr, G. and Westreich, R., 2022. Perfectionism and prolonged stress reactivity in depression. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 47(6), pp.E385-E394.

Sirois, F.M., Molnar, D.S. and Hirsch, J.K., 2022. Perfectionism and mental health problems: Limitations and future directions. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78(11), pp.2204-2215.

WebMD, 2023. Perfectionism: 6 Consequences to Watch For. [online] Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/consequences-perfectionism> [Accessed 16 August 2024].

Learning difficulties Reflection

Learning Difficulties and Assessments: My Reflections

Throughout my time at university as an undergraduate ecology student, I struggled with exams and timed essays. I would spend hours revising and pouring my effort into assignments, only to be disappointed with my grades. It was infuriating to see other students breeze through with less work and achieve higher marks. This really impacted my self-esteem and made me question if I was unintelligent or incapable. 

It turns out a big factor was my undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia. These learning difficulties made certain tasks like planning essays very difficult for me. My essays would often lack structure because I had trouble getting all my ideas down during the planning stage. Dyslexia also slowed down my writing speed, so I'd run out of time on exams. The symptoms of dyspraxia like poor working memory didn't help either. I was putting in so much effort but just couldn't seem to get the results I wanted.

Being so self-critical and perfectionistic about my work only made things worse. I would get extremely down on myself when I didn't meet the high standards I'd set. This constant feeling of failure led to a lot of anxiety and procrastination. I dreaded exams and assignments, even though I loved learning about ecology. 

It was such a relief when I finally got diagnosed after university. Suddenly it all made sense - I had been fighting an invisible battle against my learning difficulties this whole time. I learned not to be so hard on myself and that reading and writing just take more work for me. The diagnosis changed my perspective and approach to learning. 

I do wish I had been diagnosed earlier and gotten support like exam accommodations. My mental health really suffered from constantly feeling not good enough. As a teacher now, I'm more aware of learning difficulties and the importance of support systems for students. We need better tools to identify issues like dyslexia, and effective training for teachers on how to teach and assess these students. I hope sharing my experience can increase understanding of learning difficulties and the toll undiagnosed conditions can take. With the right support and coping strategies, these students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Weight Loss Journey Part 3 or it Part 4

Salutations to fellow health enthusiasts! The period since Boxing Day has been a noteworthy interval during which I have observed my weight, consistently hovering around the 103 kg mark. It is evident that my dietary selections have been sub-optimal, and my commitment to regular exercise has been intermittent at best. However, I wish to reassure you that a decisive moment for transformation has arrived. With the imminent arrival of summer, I am resolute in my determination to shed excess kilograms and reclaim my former physique.

I am not inclined to join the trend of embracing fad diets in the month of January. Admittedly, this month is characterised by a sombre ambiance, and the weather is far from noteworthy. Why relinquish the small pleasures that aid us in navigating through these dreary days? Instead, I have identified February as the opportune time to refine my dietary preferences.

In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I have turned to James Clear's seminal work, "Atomic Habits." This literary masterpiece imparts practical methodologies for cultivating positive habits, breaking undesirable ones, and achieving enduring objectives, including weight loss. Clear's philosophy centres on the concept of effecting incremental changes, or what he terms "atomic habits," that can yield remarkable outcomes over time.

I am fully committed to dissecting my long-term health objectives into manageable, short-term habits. Whether it involves embracing intermittent fasting or integrating healthier meal options into my diet, I am prepared to make these incremental adjustments with a meaningful impact. Embracing Clear's minimalist approach to transformation, I am confident in my ability to reform my daily habits and consequently redefine my identity towards sustainable weight loss and an overall healthier existence.

The rationale behind this sudden urgency to instigate these changes is straightforward—I am averse to exposing myself to the health risks associated with excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle. The correlation between prolonged sedentary behaviour and weight gain is extensively documented. Research has elucidated that engaging in sedentary activities elevates the risk of obesity, alterations in body weight, and an expanded waist circumference.

Cognizant of these risks, I am dedicated to curtailing my sedentary periods and augmenting physical activity. The objective extends beyond mere weight reduction; it encompasses the mitigation of potential health complications associated with surplus weight. By seamlessly integrating regular physical activity into my routine and minimizing sedentary behaviour, I am taking proactive measures towards cultivating a healthier and more contented version of myself.

To new beginnings! As I temporarily sign off, rest assured that I will return to share my experiences and hopefully, the triumphs in my weight loss journey. Stay tuned for further updates on my pursuit of a healthier and more joyful lifestyle!