44: Letting Go of Perfection, Making Mistakes, and Forgiving Yourself

Do you find that you like everything to be perfect? That you can't stand it when you let someone down? Do you have a low tolerance for mistakes? And does forgiving yourself seem impossible? Lauren and I dissect our lives as we talk about what perfectionism is, why we can't stand making mistakes, and how to forgive ourselves. You'll also hear about the mistake Lauren made for a charity event, the time I hit a 95-year old man with my car, and an email from a fan declaring his love for me. You won't want to miss this episode.  Letting Go of Perfectionism Recently, Lauren left off her partner's logo on a graphic promoting a charity event. She felt horrible. Here's one question to ask yourself when you're struggling with being perfect: What is the truth in this situation?   Making Mistakes Lauren believes that she's not so much a perfectionist, but someone who doesn't want to let anyone down. When she does make a mistake, she resolves to be better only to let someone down again.  Here are several questions to ask yourself when you're struggling with being perfect: Where does that thought come from? Do I hold people to the same standards that I hold myself to? What stories am I telling myself?   Forgiving Yourself Others may forgive you far more easily than you forgive yourself.   Here's one question to ask yourself when things don't go as you planned: Can I forgive myself when I make a mistake?   Your Next Steps Remember that perfectionism can show up in body image and unrealistic expectations. Read this Psychology Today article, Mothers are Drowning in Stress, to get an idea. Here are two more questions to ask when you're struggling with perfectionism, making mistakes, and forgiving yourself:  Who do I have to be perfect for, i.e. who demands perfection from me? What is real?  If you struggle with perfectionism and a low tolerance for mistakes, will you get back with us? Let us know if you struggle in these areas too! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 40: Pachamama - A Moving Experience in Peru Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Facebook) Ride My Road (Website) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website)   Lauren Trantham's superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real.   Key Quotes from the episode: There's so much pressure on women to be perfect. - Jen Rozenbaum Perfection isn't real. - Jen Rozenbaum Perfectionism comes back to self-worth and forgiveness. - Lauren Trantham We're trying to be everything all the time. - Jen Rozenbaum   Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine:  Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram   This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode44.