We have often been conditioned to see perfectionism as a way to succeed, and sometimes as a mechanism to survive in cutthroat environments. The critical mind can be incredibly intense and sharp, which leads us to feel bad about some of our daily actions. While this sense of perfectionism can help us in some ways, we often find ourselves feeling unsatisfied or upset with ourselves. No matter how far this perfectionism takes us, it never feels like enough. How can we find a sense of contentment with our work while still achieving and working in an effective and competent manner?
By practicing self-love, self-compassion, and self-acceptance, we can learn to be kinder to ourselves and incorporate a gentle approach to our work, without falling victim to complacency. We can be driven by a more positive inner experience and our work will reflect this change in perspective.