Letting Go of Perfectionism

Hi, I’m Dr. Jodi Aman, and today, we’re going to tackle one of the biggest roadblocks to happiness and self-acceptance: perfectionism. I’ll be sharing insights on why perfectionism feels helpful but actually holds us back from joy and peace. We’ll explore ways to let go of these unrealistic standards and replace them with healthier, kinder expectations. Let’s dive into how you can free yourself from perfectionism and live a more fulfilling life!

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jodi discusses the traps of perfectionism and the toll it takes on mental health and overall happiness. While perfectionism may seem to keep us focused on success, it often leads to burnout, self-criticism, and a sense of never being “enough.” Dr. Jodi explains how perfectionism is rooted in a biological drive for social acceptance, making us feel that we need to meet impossible standards to belong.

She then provides actionable strategies for listeners to break free from this mindset. By redefining personal success, recognizing the downsides of perfectionism, and setting realistic goals, Dr. Jodi offers a roadmap to release anxiety and embrace a more balanced life. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you shed perfectionism’s weight and find joy in your achievements.

Key Takeaways

1. Recognize the Cost of Perfectionism: Understand that perfectionism isn’t helping you; it often keeps you from reaching your goals and enjoying life.
2. Redefine Success and Goals: Set realistic, intentional goals that encourage growth without the pressure of being “perfect.”
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Focusing on accomplishments, big or small, helps build confidence and keeps motivation high.
4. Externalize Perfectionism: Treat perfectionism like an external influence you can manage rather than an identity you’re stuck with.
5. Start Before You’re Ready: Avoid hesitation and get started, letting go of the need to be fully prepared.

Resources mentioned in this show: 

• Watch the video of this episode at the blog:https://jodiaman.com/blog/let-go-of-perfectionsim/ 
• Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel:@DoctorJodi
• How to Do Self-Compassion Articlehttps://jodiaman.com/blog/self-compassion/
• Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide:jodiaman.com/guide
• Redirect Positive Mindset Cardsjodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
• EnCompass SEL Class Activityjodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
• Anxiety,I'm So Done with You!Book

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review onApple Podcastsand share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal!  

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About Dr. Jodi: 

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.

You’ll discover that your brain is not broken. That….  Whatever you are feeling is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And I’m here to help.

We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the information you need to heal, shift beliefs, get relief, set strong limits, let go, or act in a way that helps you and those you love FEEL BETTER.

I’m your host, Dr. Jodi. I've worked for 28 years as a psychotherapist, so I've seen and understood the nuances of human behavior and relationships from a rare perspective inside people’s minds and emotions. Together, we’ll discover how you are much  more  amazing than you think you are, build your confidence, and accelerate your healing journey.

We livestream this show on YT every Monday at 8 PM E, @doctrojodi, so follow me there so you can participate in the conversation. We do live coaching on air, and you can get personalized advice for your situation. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain practical tips, and hear from relatable guests who will show you how to get rid of worry, strengthen your emotional bandwidth, and create a happy, purposeful life.