PERFECTION

Definition of Perfection:
The state or quality of being perfect.

Synonyms of Perfection:
flawlessness, sublimity, exquisiteness, faultlessness, etc.

These notes are from recovery in AA and/or related 12 step programs. Readers are encouraged to click external links for more detail. We hope you find them helpful.

Love in fellowship.

Perfectionism is a beautiful characteristic when we learn how to live it, but until we do it’ll kill us; Forever disappointed in ourselves and everything around us. –Chuck C | More…

For perfectionists, life is an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. It’s a fast and enduring track to unhappiness, and perfectionism is often accompanied by depression and eating disorders. Perfectionism is so toxic that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure, so theirs is a negative orientation. | More…

God is not just power. God is also gentleness. Gentleness and love are the power we look for in recovery. We work to be human. Part of being human is making mistakes and mistakes are chances to learn. –Keep It Simple | More.,.

Letting Go of Perfectionism:
The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. ~ Anna Quindlen

Where perfectionism exists, shame is always lurking.
In fact, shame is the birthplace of perfectionism.

We don’t claim shame.
The problem is that when we don’t claim shame, it claims us .

And one of the ways it sneaks into our lives is through perfectionism.
Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best.

Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth.Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.

It’s a shield.
One Definition: Perfectionism is a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, live perfectly, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame. –Excerpted from The Gifts of Imperfection/Brené Brown | More…

We are not perfect. Perfection is not expected in the Divine plan. But we are expected to take our experiences and grow from them, to move beyond the shame of them, to celebrate what they have taught us. –Each Day a New Beginning/Karen Casey | More…

I used to think that if something wasn’t done perfectly, it wasn’t worth doing. When I came into the program I had to learn to not be so hard on myself.

My sponsor and my friends in the fellowship remind me that I don’t even have to do the program perfectly. I just need to do the best I know how for today; then I can see progress one day at a time. –One day at a time | More…

As we free ourselves from the burden of perfectionism, we’re free to better accept our responsibilities. Meeting deadlines as well as we can, one at a time, pays off in serenity and a manageable life.

When we are crisis ridden, we are forced to live by other peoples’ demands, rather than by our choices. In the face of procrastination, resentment, or perfectionism, we can turn to Step Ten for an inventory.

We can forgive ourselves, try to laugh at ourselves, live in the present, and keep going. Today can be better than yesterday. –Answers in the Heart/P. Williamson & S. Kiser | More…

God is not just power. God is also gentleness. Gentleness and love are the power we look for in recovery. We work to be human. Part of being human is making mistakes and mistakes are chances to learn. –Keep It Simple | More…

God is not just power. God is also gentleness. Gentleness and love are the power we look for in recovery. We work to be human. Part of being human is making mistakes and mistakes are chances to learn. –Keep It Simple | More…