In Part 1, I shared how perfectionism has shaped my habits and mindset. Sometimes it pushed me to do better, but more often, it kept me stuck.

This post is about how I spot perfectionism now and what I actually do to manage it.

These aren’t theories— this isn’t a “how to fix yourself” guide.

These are tools that have helped me, and maybe they’ll help you too.

🧠 How Perfectionism Shows Up

Perfectionism isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t just shout "be perfect." Sometimes, it’s quiet and sneaky. Here's how I learned to recognize it:

1. "If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure."

I'd start something excited, but stop the second it looked messy or flawed.

One mistake = total failure (at least in my mind).

🔁 What I ask now: "Is done better than perfect?"
Answer: Yes. Every time.

2. Over-planning and over-researching.

I used to spend hours prepping for something tiny. I thought I was being thorough. Really, I was just scared to start.

🔁 What I do: Set a timer—20–30 minutes to plan, then just start. I can fix things later.

3. Procrastination in disguise.

Waiting for the "right time" or "perfect energy" sounds responsible, but it's usually just fear talking.

📢 Newsflash: That time rarely comes.

🔁 What helps: Just showing up. Action creates clarity—not the other way around.

🌀 The Perfectionism–Procrastination Loop

You'd think perfectionists get things done early. But actually? We procrastinate. A lot.

Here's why:

When I get a task, my perfectionist brain says:
"How can I make this flawless?"
That question paralyzes me.

I overthink. I plan. I doubt. And I never start.

We're torn between wanting it perfect and fearing it won't be good enough. That conflict leads to paralysis, and we end up waiting... until we hit the “stress zone.”

⏰ What's the stress zone?

It's when you’ve waited so long that now you HAVE to finish—fast. No time to nitpick. Just pure panic mode.

I once left a project until the last day. I had to research, draft, and edit in 24 hours. It was exhausting and I hated the result.

Sure, I finished. But it wasn’t my best work. And it drained me.

Perfectionism failed me, and procrastination took over.

🛠️ How I Manage It

These are tools I use to work with perfectionism instead of letting it take over:

🧰 1. Use perfectionism as a tool.

Perfectionism can be useful—for detail-heavy work, final editing, or precision tasks.

Just remember: you control it. Not the other way around.

🎯 2. Break goals into chunks.

Don’t list "Write essay." Instead try this:

• Choose topic
• Research
• Draft intro
• Edit conclusion

This keeps me from getting overwhelmed and gives each step its own spotlight.

Remember that every quality work starts with one messy first draft.

🕵️‍♀️ 3. Journal the perfectionist voice.

When the thoughts come up (“This isn't good enough!”), I write them down.

Once they're out of my head, I can see how dramatic they sound—and challenge them.

🫵 4. Reframe self-talk.

Instead of: “This must be perfect.”
I ask: “What would good enough look like right now?”

Tiny shift. Huge relief.

⌛ 5. Set time limits.

I give myself 25 minutes to write without editing. That’s it.

It quiets the inner critic and makes space for flow.

🧥 6. Be kind to yourself.

Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself?
If not, it’s time to change the script.

Progress matters more than perfection.

☕️ 7. Take real breaks.

Guilt-free. Intentional. Necessary.

Burnout helps no one. Breaks are productive because they restore you.
Watch a show. Go for a walk. Text your favorite person.

Just step away... and come back with fresh eyes and thoughts.

💭 Final Thoughts

Perfectionism still shows up. I'm just learning not to let it drive.

🧠 It's not a truth-teller.
💬 It's just a voice that learned to protect me—but now, I don’t always need that protection.

Let it show up. Just don’t let it take the wheel.

You're not lazy. You're not behind. You're just learning to work with your brain, not against it.

You don’t need to be perfect to be proud. Or to be enough.

Thanks for reading, friend!
If you enjoyed this post, you might like Part 1: My Journey with Perfectionism.

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