Raise you hand if you have ever felt like you're just not measuring up to your sky-high standards (or the sky-high standards someone close to you has for you)? 🙋

Or if you are struggling with the constant need to be flawless at everything you do? 🙋

Or if a layer of doubt seems to be flaring up when you try to do something new or create something new? 🙋

(Are you tired yet or is it just me? Whew!)

If you raised your hand (and even if you didn't, there is probably something here you can still gain from this article) then you might be suffering from a case of perfectionism and imposter syndrome - where self-doubt meets the pursuit unattainable perfection.

Unpacking Perfectionism

Perfectionism, is that sneaky little trait that can either push you to great heights or leave you feeling like you're constantly falling short. And sometimes it is both at the same time.

There are two key aspects that drive it - the all-or-nothing mentality and the fear of failure.

1) The All-or-Nothing Mentality

The all-or-nothing mentality tries to convince you that whatever you are working on needs to be flawless in its execution and anything less than perfection is a failure. And not just that the work is failure, but that you, yourself is a failure. Ouch.

This mindset almost feels like I imagine walking a tightrope without a safety net would feel like, expecting to flawlessly glide across without a single wobble. (And in this case, a wobble could mean certain death.)

Obviously, this mentality not only sets unrealistic standards but also blinds you to the progress you've made along the way or the progress you are currently making.

For me, I like to write down the progress I am making, no matter how small. I have to constantly remind myself that small progress is still progress.

Then when my mind is trying to play tricks on me and convince that I haven't made any progress or "enough" progress, I can refer to this list and see everything I have done.

This exercise is also helping me train myself to see all of the achievements I am making. It can be easy to miss them, especially if they didn't seem big enough to notice or the perceived flaw in them seems glaring to you.

The all-or-nothing approach can lead to paralyzing indecision.

Every decision becomes a monumental choice between perfection or failure, leaving little room for exploration or learning from mistakes.

It's a high-stakes game where the fear of making a wrong move outweighs the potential for growth.

The impact? Stifled creativity, missed opportunities, and a constant sense of inadequacy. Not to mention a steady stream of stress. (And yes, I am speaking from past experience. Recovering perfectionist here).

2) Fear of Failure

Now, let's shine a spotlight on the elephant in the room - the dreaded fear of failure.

When perfection is dictating your life, failure isn't just a detour on the road to success; it's a colossal roadblock threatening to derail your carefully constructed facade of perfection.

The mere thought of falling short can trigger overwhelming anxiety, leading to a relentless pursuit of flawlessness. And a viscous cycle can ensue.

The fear of failure can crop up in various ways as a perfectionist.

It might show up as procrastination, as they avoid starting a task to sidestep the risk of not doing it perfectly.

Or it could show up as a reluctance to seek help or guidance, fearing that it might (or will) expose your vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, this fear becomes a heavy burden, weighing down on your self-esteem and creating a cycle of self-doubt.

In essence, unpacking perfectionism reveals a delicate dance between ambition and anxiety, where the quest for perfection often overshadows the joy of growth and progress.

Decoding Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome is like having an invisible enemy who constantly whispers doubts in your ear, making you question your every move.

It's that feeling of being a fraud, despite evident success. Or that question of "who am I to be...?"

You might doubt if you truly deserve your accomplishments because you secretly fear that others will find out that you aren't a quote and quote expert in XYZ. By the way, this might not even be registering on a conscious level.

Persistent Self-Questioning

When you are affected by Impostor Syndrome, your mind becomes a battleground of self-doubt and questioning.

The relentless voice in your head asks, "Am I worthy of this praise?" and "What if people discover I'm not as capable as they think?" and "Oh no, people will see I am not an expert and I need to be?"

This inner dialogue becomes a never-ending loop of uncertainty making it quite difficult to take any steps in a forward direction.

In the world of impostor syndrome, the struggle is real, and the battle is internal.

The Surprising Connection

High Standards vs. Self-Doubt

Do you ever find yourself setting incredibly high standards for your work, only to feel like you're falling short despite your best efforts?

The link between perfectionism and impostor syndrome may shed light on why you're feeling this way.

When you are grappling with perfectionism, you will often strive for flawless outcomes, which includes holding yourself to impossible criteria that are unattainable.

This fixation on perfection can inadvertently fuel feelings of inadequacy, paving the way for impostor syndrome to creep in.

It's like chasing after a rainbow - the closer you get, the further it seems. 🌈

Feedback and Validation Cravings

Perfectionism seeks validation to affirm competence and worth, while those impostor syndrome craves external feedback to confirm that you are not a fraud.

This insatiable need for validation sets off a never-ending loop of seeking approval to quiet the inner voice of self-doubt.

It's a bit like trying to fill a bucket with a hole at the bottom - no matter how much you pour in, it never feels like enough.

In essence, the connection between perfectionism and impostor syndrome is a complex dance of high standards, self-doubt, feedback cravings, and validation.

This unexpected correlation can be a reminder for you that true validation comes from within, not from external sources.

Overcoming the Duo

Sometimes, striving for perfection can lead you down a path of self-doubt and feeling like a fraud, a classic case of impostor syndrome.

Here are some strategies to help you overcome this duo and embrace your true potential:

Embracing Imperfection

Embracing imperfection as a beautiful part of being human. It's okay not to have everything together all the time or at all.

Instead of fixating on unattainable perfection, shift your focus to growth and progress.

Recognize that mistakes and failures are inevitable steps on the journey to success and they are just lessons that you can learn from so you can then move forward.

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and learn from every experience, whether good or bad.

Remember, you are more enough just as you are, flaws and all.

Embrace your uniqueness and trust in your abilities to navigate life's challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

So the next time you catch yourself striving for perfection or feeling like a fraud, take a moment to pause and remind yourself that it's okay to be imperfect.

You are deserving of all the success and recognition that comes your way! 💥