ADHD and Pursuing Progress Over Perfection

Striving for perfection is a very common struggle in our busy world, even more for those with ADHD. You may feel like you need to have everything just right before you can move forward. Which means we often get stuck and frustrated. It is also not at all necessary in probably 95% of all the things we do day in, day out.

We don't actually need to have a perfectly spotless house, a perfect appearance, or perfect relationships. Such a mindset only leads to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of never being good enough. Instead, we should remind ourselves more often that progress feels so much better than perfection.

If we think about it, perfectionism is an impossible goal. It's like trying to reach the end of a rainbow. No matter how much you strive for it, it's always just out of reach. Yet, so many of us are trying to be perfect or do something perfectly every day.

That way, perfectionism can lead to burnout. When you're constantly striving for perfection, you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. It's important to take breaks and give yourself time to rest. We're humans and not machines, and imperfections are the actual beauty of our lives.

Perfectionism can also lead to anxiety. When you're constantly worried about getting everything just right, you can start to feel anxious and stressed out. This can make it harder to focus and can lead to procrastination. Instead of worrying about being perfect, try to aim for "good enough". (The result will probably still be pretty impressive.) This approach can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety.

It's important to remember that progress is more important than perfection. Small steps can lead to big changes.

Here are a few ideas towards progress which you can start practicing today:

Start small: If you're feeling overwhelmed, try breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Because every step forward is progress towards your goals.
Celebrate your successes: Instead of focusing on what you haven't done, take time to celebrate what you have accomplished. It's great to feel great and you deserve it for your efforts.
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for making progress. Make sure to take breaks, get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. This will help you feel better and have more energy to focus on your goals.
Be kind to yourself: Remember that you're human, and it's okay to make mistakes. Instead of being hard on yourself, try to be kind and compassionate.

Small steps can lead to big changes, and every step forward is progress. What is one tiny step towards "Progress over Perfection" that you can take today?