The human spirit never ceases to amaze me. From the moment we are born, and our tiny lungs fill with our first breath of air, we are on the move. We reach out, curiously grasping at everything within reach, and as soon as we possibly can, we’re crawling. Walking. Then running.

And we don’t stop.

The seasons of life may shift and parts of who we are change, but the dreaming, hoping, and striving for the best of everything life has to offer remains constant. Whether it’s a relationship, promotion, lifestyle, or personal goal – we can become obsessed with everything we want to accomplish.

We want it all. All the peace. All the healing. All the financial security, beauty, and fun. And a tidy, flawlessly decorated home... And six-pack abs. (Because, why not?)

While chasing down our highest potential can be a positive thing, there is a breaking point.

Perfectionism is like a never-ending marathon where the finish line keeps getting pushed back. Behind every accomplishment is a newer, bigger, and ‘better’ goal. Yet for all the striving, the idealized future version of us with the immaculately curated life never fully materializes. Elusive and flawless, the dream of perfection keeps us exhausted and running.

In this latest blog, we do a deep dive into perfectionism… what it is, why we crave it, and the hidden cost of perfectionism. We’ll explore the difference between a high achiever and a perfectionist and close with five ways to pursue excellence without burning out.

Why?

When did the pursuit of self-improvement turn into an all-out mad dash toward perfection? When did we stop being content with good enough and make flawless the only acceptable standard?

Healing can be messy. ‘Doing the work’ is hard. Therapy/Coaching can be emotionally draining.

These are true statements, but friends, we need to talk. There are way too many myths and half-truths circulating about therapy and coaching and not enough clarity around what it means to ‘do the work.’ As a Licensed Therapist (LISW-CP), Certified Adult Chair Master Life Coach, and also someone who has personally participated in therapy and coaching, I want to dispel some of these myths and answer common questions about what it really means to ‘do the work.’