WHY Perfectionism Backfires (Try THIS Instead)

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 24, 2023

I’ve seen a LOT of patients lately who are stressed out by their own perfectionism.

They’ve trapped themselves in a prison of their own expectations.

They’re convinced that they NEED eight full hours of sleep EVERY night. They think they MUST have a bowel movement promptly at 8 a.m. EVERY morning. And the world will END if they miss their daily shot of vitamin D.

If that’s how you’ve been feeling, too, I’m about to let you off the hook.

Because I tell them (and now you) to… “RELAX!”

I’ll explain…

Let’s be clear. Getting eight hours of quality sleep and having regular bowel movements are FANTASTIC health goals.

And you know me. I’ll talk about how critical getting enough vitamin D is for your health until I’m blue in the face.

But far too many of us have become enslaved by our pursuit of perfectionism.

Sometimes, even the solutions we’ve adopted to meet those unrealistic expectations make matters worse, sending our stress levels soaring.

Take sleep, for example. Some folks who wear sleep trackers check them as soon as they wake up. And only once it reports that their sleep was or wasn’t optimal will they decide if they feel refreshed or exhausted.

In fact, it’s so common a term has been created for it. Orthosomnia is the obsessive pursuit of optimal sleep driven by sleep tracker data.

Here’s the truth. Perfection isn’t possible in the REAL world.

If you sit around all day, you may only need seven hours of sleep. But if you spend the day working in the garden, you may need nine.

In either case it doesn’t matter if eight is the “PERFECT” amount… it’s not the RIGHT amount.

Now I’m not throwing goal-setting under the bus here. It certainly is beneficial at work, in relationships, and when establishing new habits.

But obsessing creates stress and can quickly become overwhelming.

Relax. You don’t have to hit your goals EVERY single time to be healthy.

Following are a few tricks that can help prevent perfectionism from taking over your life:

• Set realistic expectations: Recognize that perfection in every aspect of life is not always possible or necessary. Set realistic expectations for yourself and allow for flexibility and self-compassion.
• Prioritize self-care: Take time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Incorporate self-care activities that help you relax, recharge, and manage stress effectively.
• Practice mindfulness: Stay present and focus on the current moment rather than constantly worrying about perfection. Mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and restore a sense of balance. (See my P.S. below for more on this.)
• Embrace imperfections: Understand that imperfections and occasional inconsistencies are a natural part of being human. Embracing imperfections allows for growth, learning, and a healthier perspective on consistency.

Remember, while goal setting is valuable, finding a balance that promotes well-being and reduces stress is essential.

Prioritize self-care, set realistic expectations, and be kind to yourself as you navigate the challenges of improving your health.

P.S. For more on mindfulness, including how to practice it in your own life, check out my earlier report, “Meditation Benefits Continue to GROW.”

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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