Let go of Perfectionism

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A lot of overachievers develop perfectionist tendencies at a young age when demands on their time are limited to school, hobbies but as we grow up, life gets more complicated and responsibilities increase and yet we try and maintain the same level of performance in all areas and if this habit is left unchecked, it can lead to burnout

 

The key to avoid burning out is to let go of maintaining a high level ALL THE TIME, the better option is to strive not for perfection, but for the best you can and realized that Sometimes OK is OK

 

2. Unplug!

Technology has improved our lives in many ways. But it has also created expectations of constant accessibility. “There are times when you should just shut your phone off and enjoy the moment,” So don’t text at your kid’s athletics carnival and don’t send work emails while you’re hanging out with family. Make quality time true quality time and switch off on a regular basis.

 

3. Exercise and meditate

Even when we’re busy, we make time for the crucial things in life. Food, toilet, water, sleep. Yet we often neglect exercise – in fact it’s one of the first things to go.

Exercise benefits – we know it burns up stress chemicals and releases feel good hormones as well as helping us sleep and reduce our risk of most diseases.

Meditation / Mindfulness - start small with deep breathing exercises during your commute, a quick five-minute meditation session at night.

Dalai Lama

“Everyone should do at least 20mins of meditation per day, unless you’re too busy, In which case you should do an hour!”

 

4. Limit time-wasting activities and people

First, identify what’s most important in your life. What do you value most?

Make sure it truly reflects your priorities, not someone else’s.

 

From there, it will be easier to determine what needs to be trimmed from the schedule. If email social media, video streaming is a timewaster set boundaries. Turn off notifications and use do not disturb!

 

And if you find your time being gobbled up by less constructive people, find ways to diplomatically limit these interactions.

 

Focus on the people and activities that reward you the most.

 

I often use the airplane metaphor. Please apply your oxygen mask before assisting others – if you don’t, you’re no good to anyone!”  So, when it comes to being a good friend, spouse, parent or worker, “the better you are yourself, the better you are going to be in all those areas as well.”

 

5. Check your habits and align them with your values.

We are creatures of habit and can get stuck doing unhelpful routines. Sit on couch, snacking watching Foxtel when I should be in bed getting sleep and getting up early and exercising?

 

Ask yourself What changes could make life easier? 

 

So instead of trying to do it all, focus on activities you value most and will help lead a life most congruent with your values.

 

Involve key people in different areas of your life and work out how you can start to make changes.

 

6. Start small. Build from there.

We’ve all been there: good intentions that fizzle out, New Year’s resolutions we forget by February. It’s the same with work-life balance when we take on too much too quickly.

 

If we commit to drastic changes, they are often doomed to fail. Go from sitting in the couch to running 5km, trying to go from 5 hours sleep/night to 8. It’s a recipe for failure.

“If you’re trying to change a certain habit in your life, start small and experience some success and then Build from there,”