Welcome to Black Girl Burnout, Kelly here. And today is all about how to opt out of perfectionism. This may be something that you're struggling with. If you're like me,

it's a lifelong struggle. But today we're going to talk about what perfectionism is,

how to start to deal with it, and what kind of mindset shift work we can do to stop you from

getting trapped in perfectionism and depriving yourself of your birthright,

which is joy. And of course, I will end as always with a healing practice for you all to

utilize. So first, what is perfectionism? If you identify with that term or that seems like it applies to you,

then you will probably know it is this constant kind of striving for flawlessness.

You know, you want to be perfect in all things.

But the downside of that kind of drive and wanting to be perfect is that, of course, nothing ever is,

right? There's no such thing as perfect. And so when things are not done perfectly, you're more

likely to harshly criticize yourself, harshly interact with others, even at times overall,

just have feelings of depression.

Really, perfectionism is mismanaged anxiety. If you are feeling all kinds of uncomfortable

by that definition, trust me, been there, done that, as a perfectionist in recovery,

as I say, and I go out of recovery

minute by minute, day by day. Perfectionism has long since been something that I have

wrestled with and struggled with and had to learn how to opt out of the struggle that I was

having with myself while in perfection

mode. Most black women, I feel like, are high achievers or are working so hard. And for us,

it may never be or feel like enough. Like, it feels like there's something more we can do.

I don't know a black woman that doesn't have like a full-time job in two

side hustles, is raising children or is balancing having a partner, is excelling at their job.

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