Perfectionist’s Perfectionism 19

Words by Saxon McGregor

Understanding the Perfectionist Mindset:

Perfectionism is an ingrained mindset characterised by setting excessively high standards for oneself and feeling an intense need to meet or exceed them. While striving for excellence can be motivating, perfectionism takes it to an unhealthy extreme. Constant self-criticism, fear of failure, and an inability to accept mistakes is no help to you here at university, nor in your personal or professional lives.

Recognise the Limitations of Perfection:

Perfectionism, paradoxically, often hinders academic progress and personal development. The fear of failure and harsh self-judgment can lead to procrastination, increased stress levels, and even burnout. Perfectionists tend to focus more on avoiding mistakes than on genuine learning and growth. Acknowledging that perfection is an unattainable goal is the first step towards breaking free from its grip.

Self-compassion is the practice of treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. By being selfcompassionate, we can develop a healthier mindset and approach our life with a greater sense of balance and fulfillment.

Cultivating Self-Compassion:

1. Embrace Imperfection: Alexander Pope said in 1711, ‘to err is human; to forgive, divine’. Accordingly, it is important to first accept that making mistakes and experiencing setbacks are inevitably part of the human experience. Rather than being overly critical, view these challenges as opportunities.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable goals, and focus on progress rather than perfection. I do this by (as simple as it sounds) writing to-do lists and identifying achievable checkpoints along my path to the public service, such as completing an assignment to the best of my ability (which does not mean perfectly!) or undertaking an internship.

3. Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Perfectionists often have an internal dialogue of self-criticism and negative beliefs. Counteract these thoughts by practicing self-affirmation and replacing self-judgment with self-encouragement.

4. Practice Self-Care: I struggle with this one the most, but it is crucial to take good care of yourself. Prioritise selfcare activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, whether that be exercising, reading, indulging in a caramel slice at Papyrus, or sitting in the sun by the lake. Taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy uni-life balance will enhance your productivity and general wellbeing.

5. Seek Support: There is support everywhere you look at Bond. Reach out to friends, family, or mentors who can provide emotional support and worldly perspectives. Consider seeking counselling, meeting with one of our fantastic Student Wellbeing or Accessibility & Inclusion Advisors or joining support groups specifically tailored for students struggling with perfectionism, like Drs4Drs or the Wellness Network for Law.

6. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results: In overcoming perfectionism, it is important to shift our focus from solely celebrating final outcomes to also appreciating the progress we make along the way. Embracing the small victories, milestones, and steps forward allows us to acknowledge our efforts, dedication, and growth. By celebrating progress, we cultivate a positive mindset that fuels motivation and encourages continued improvement. Remember, success is not solely defined by the end result but also by the progress we make and the lessons we learn.

If you are anything like me, you may tend to read articles like this and brush them off, thinking they do not apply to you or that you can handle everything on your own. I understand that all too well. Sometimes, no matter how many self-help books we read or advice we receive, it is hard to truly appreciate the message that we are doing too much. But please, let my words sink in this time. You are more than enough just as you are. You do not need to prove your worth to anyone, including yourself. Embrace your authentic self and trust that everything else will fall into place as a result of your efforts. Remember that all you can do is your best, and to take a deep breath, and believe in yourself. You have got this Bondies!