11/10/2024
Which side do you see more of yourself in?
Today, I wanted to talk about the difference between perfectionism and excellence because recognizing it can arguably transform how we see ourselves and approach life. Plus it is relevant to the topic of self-confidence which we’ve been discussing the past few weeks.
Perfectionism often stems from childhood, where we may have learned that our worth is tied to achievement. Praise for accomplishments can lead us to internalize the belief that we’re only “good enough” if we’re flawless. But perfectionism is rooted in fear: the fear of failure, of letting others down, of not being enough. Psychologically, this need for external validation creates a cycle of “never enough,” leading to anxiety, stress, and burnout. Instead of living authentically, perfectionism keeps us in the passenger seat, always driven by what others think.
Excellence, however, is rooted in growth and self-motivation. It’s about the human desire to improve for the sake of inner fulfillment, not out of fear or the need for approval. Studies show that striving for excellence builds resilience and joy because it’s based on self-driven goals, not external validation. People who focus on excellence see mistakes as natural and even valuable for learning, which makes the journey as meaningful as the result.
Choosing excellence puts us in control of our lives. Rather than chasing “perfection” to feel worthy, we can grow authentically, knowing we’re enough as we are.
Next time you’re pushing yourself, ask: Am I doing this to grow or to gain approval? This simple shift can help us feel truly fulfilled rather than always chasing “perfect.”
Take care of your mind and body. Love, Nawal ♥️
