I am a recovering perfectionist and am on a mission to learn how to live a lighter and happier life.

I believe my perfectionism comes from a lifelong belief that I will only be seen when I do more and have to excel in the things I do.

This form of self-belief is damaging because my perfectionism becomes a form of self-imprisonment. As a result, I live too carefully instead of fully embracing life.

Here are three things that I am working on and want to stop doing.

#1 Expecting to get things right on the first try

This mindset has often stopped me from doing something or giving up too quickly. Instead, I want to start embracing that things are still worth doing, even if done imperfectly. 

It is in doing that we learn, and I am always allowed to quit if something doesn't work for me. 

#2 Immediately moving on to a new project after completing one

Perfectionists tend to do this because they find their self-worth in always doing more.

Instead of pausing and acknowledging their accomplishments, they move the goalpost further down the line.

I realized this while answering two reflection questions from Kara Monroe's Quarterly Review workbook.

• What accomplishments have you celebrated?

• What accomplishments have you NOT celebrated fully?

I have never thought of celebrating my accomplishments and want to start doing that.

#3 Giving too much value to what people think

The spotlight effect is a psychological concept where people overestimate how others perceive them. Social media easily amplifies this when we think people are paying attention and remembering everything we do. 

The reality check is no one does. Everyone is preoccupied with their own lives. 

With this realization, I want to explore and experiment with the things I create, and using my personal joy as my own compass.

If you are also a recovering perfectionist, what are the things you want to stop doing? I'd love to hear from you.