Perfectionism IS PREVENTING your results.
I wanted to quickly touch on perfectionism and how it is likely inhibiting your results in the gym...
But first, a quick story.
I used to announce my perfectionism like it was a badge of honour. Perfectionism is often defined as "a personality trait characterised by high standards and a tendency to strive for lawlessness."
I mean, who wouldn't think that was something to be proud of...?
However, while watching a recent lecture on mood disorders in my psychopathology unit, I felt both attacked and seen, when my professor explained that perfectionism was also characterised by the following:
Fear of failure: Perfectionists are often afraid of making mistakes or failing, and may avoid taking risks or trying new things as a result.
Excessive self-criticism: Perfectionists are often overly critical of themselves and their performance, and may dwell on even minor mistakes or flaws.
Procrastination: Perfectionists may put off starting a task until they feel they can do it perfectly, which can lead to procrastination and avoidance.
Need for control: Perfectionists often feel a need to control their environment and their outcomes and may struggle with delegating tasks or relying on others.
Black and white thinking: Perfectionists often see things in terms of "all or nothing" and may struggle with finding a middle ground or accepting imperfection leading to further delays on tasks or just simply higher levels of anxiety.
Obsessiveness: Perfectionists may become preoccupied with details and may spend excessive time on a task in order to get it exactly right.
Anxiety and stress: Perfectionists may experience high levels of anxiety and stress, particularly when they feel they are not living up to their own or others' expectations.
I don't know about you but I can certainly relate to many, if not all of these elements.
Here's how it might be showing up in your training, nutrition or health endeavours:
An inability to stick to or trust your programming because when you do exercise, you're always bothered with intrusive thoughts about whether there is something better or more effective that you should be doing with your time.
A reluctance to even start a programme out of the fear of failing it. "I can't do it now because xyz so I'll just start when life is less xyz."
A lack of enjoyment when you do embark on a programme/diet/health endeavour because all you can focus on are perceived flaws which makes the process of transformation WAY harder to enjoy and, therefore, complete.
If this is something you can relate to, I would highly recommend inquiring further.
Maybe even spend some time journaling or getting in touch with areas of yourself that perhaps you have been unwilling to acknowledge.
This is an exercise that we often get our clients to do as I truly believe that without understanding the key drivers of our behaviour, we will be unable to transform them or let go of maladaptive patterns that are holding us back.
If this is something you want to work on (as well as get stronger, fitter and healthier) hit the link below... it will change your body and your life.
