Feel Like You’re Enough

I want to share something personal: if there's one trait that hasn't been serving me lately, it's my perfectionism. As I’ve mentioned in a previous episode, I tend to beat myself up a lot, and even small mess-ups can make me feel like I'm not enough.

I know that many of you may have similar struggles with perfectionism and that's why I'm excited to share this week's episode of The Happiness Lab's new How-To season, where we tackle "How to Feel Like You're Enough."

Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist and fellow recovering perfectionist, shares evidence-based strategies for fighting self-criticism and embracing self-acceptance. In this companion guide newsletter, I’m sharing the five tips Ellen mentions in the episode. Want to hear the full conversation with Ellen and learn even more? Listen to the episode here.

How to Feel Like You're Enough: 5 Science-Backed Steps to Fighting Perfectionism

Tip #1: Talk back to your self-criticism. Remember that you can control that mean voice in your head.

Tip #2: You’ve got to overcome overevaluation. Remember that your worth is simply not contingent on your performance.

Tip #3: Stop turning fun into a chore. Combat that demand sensitivity and get back to the fun parts of life.

Tip #4: Re-define what you mean by failure. You can make the switch from an exam mindset to an experiment mindset.

Tip #5: When it comes to fighting perfectionism, baby steps are the way to go. Remember, you don't have to work hard at being less of a perfectionist (that would be pretty ironic, wouldn't it?)

And as Ellen reminds us, you're already enough - and that's not something you need to earn.

P.S. If you want to dive deeper into the science of self-acceptance, check out Ellen's book " How to Be Enough, Self Acceptance for Self Critics and Perfectionists" and listen to our full conversation here.

If you were forwarded this guide from a friend, consider subscribing here.