Are your high standards fueling your success, or are they secretly pushing you towards perfectionism and burnout? 

If you're like me, you probably love setting big goals and striving for excellence. But sometimes, we can push ourselves to the extremes, leaving no room for mistakes, fun, or even rest.

I used to think that having high standards meant everything had to be perfect. I’d force myself to achieve flawless results, constantly seeking external validation to feel like I was enough. But here’s the thing: striving for perfection can lead to burnout, and that’s not what any of us really want.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there’s a huge difference between force and flow. When we force things, we’re constantly fighting against ourselves, trying to meet impossible standards. It’s exhausting and unsustainable. But when we find our flow, we work with our natural strengths and passions. It’s more enjoyable, and we can still achieve amazing things without the stress.

In my journey of recovering from perfectionism, I discovered the importance of giving myself grace. It’s okay to have high standards, but it’s also okay to be unperfected.

"It’s not about lowering your standards; it’s about being kind to yourself when you don’t meet them."

Allowing ourselves to be human and make mistakes actually helps us grow and learn faster.

So, how can you tell if you’re crossing the line from healthy ambition to destructive perfectionism? Here are some signs I’ve noticed in my own life:

1. Extreme Thinking: Are you seeing things in black and white, like success vs. failure with no middle ground?

2. Burnout: Are you constantly tired, even after taking breaks?

3. External Validation: Do you need others’ approval to feel good about your accomplishments?

Now, let’s talk about some practical strategies to help you maintain high standards without falling into perfectionism:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Aim high, but make sure your goals are achievable. Break them down into smaller steps and celebrate each milestone.

2. Embrace Mistakes: Instead of fearing mistakes, see them as opportunities to learn. Remember, "mistakes are proof that you’re trying."

3. Find Your Flow: Focus on activities that bring you joy and align with your strengths. This way, you’ll achieve more without the constant struggle.

By balancing high standards with self-compassion, we can make a meaningful impact in our lives and others. We can pursue our desires without the harsh pressure of perfectionism. So let’s be kind to ourselves, embrace our unperfected selves, and enjoy the journey!

If you are ready to reclaim your true and unshakable self -worth so that that can elevate you in life leadership and business then definitely hop on over and get in my latest program! Deets below!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!

XO, Brooke Jean