Eating Disorders and Perfectionism
For many years I was living with the monster of perfectionism. I really didn’t know that this issue wasn’t an integral part of my identity, but rather an unhealthy way of living that could destroy my well being. I in no way believed that perfectionism was among the list of vital factors why I wasn’t able to break free from my disordered way of eating.
In the realm of a perfectionist “sufficient” doesn’t exist. For a perfectionist there exists certainly no such thing as a sufficient marriage, a well enough home, a good weight, a well enough grade, an adequate social gathering or a sufficient performance. Every aspect has to be perfect or a perfectionist will not find it acceptable.This is a particularly harmful way of living:
Firstly “perfection” is unable to be present. Everyone presents a completely different “exceptional” and what is perfect for me most likely are not perfect for you whatsoever. Second, following flawlessness can rob you of peace of mind, human relationships and a great number of wonderful things as well as encounters which doesn’t match your “perfect” package.
If you’re reaching for a perfect diet, you could possibly never be content with anything short of malnourishment. If you happen to be solely satisfied with a really perfect workout, you may instead do nothing. If you can’t fit into your number two jeans, you may instead stay home, watch television, eat and feel miserable.
Believe me, I have been there, and it’s really no way to live. I realized on the way, after fighting eating disorders and food addiction for several years, that “persistence” is essential in breaking free from a food struggle. At a particular point I came to the realization that it was not essential exactly how I did certain things, but rather that I got it done and that I kept at it that broke the back of eating disorders.
I needed to determine that my figure was “good enough” just the way it was (yes with excess weight) to treat it properly and also have some fun.
I had to decide that maintaining a healthy diet and losing pounds bit by bit was “well enough”
I had to make the decision that visiting the gym a few times a week and pacing myself was “good enough”
I had to accept the reality that I am going to slip-up, yet that making faults was still “sufficient”?
In the end I came to the shocking conclusion that reaching for perfection can keep me from consistency for good. The two can not co-excist. So if I truly desired to break free from eating disorders, I had to forget about the notion of perfection, and learn how to settle for “good enough”.
If you are a Christian it’s possible you have bought into the lie that flawlessness equates to holiness. This is simply not true..
God requiresHoliness and this can be translated as a quest for excellence, which can also be in some instances translated as perfection. However,there is a significant distinction: The objective of Holiness will be to please God and to become more like Him. This desire brings forth Love, Peace, Joy and every other part of the Fruit of the Spirit within our lives. This pursuit will finish in heaven, and it produces enduring change in us on this earth. Also: Holiness can merely be achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We’re not able to do it ourselves.
In the Pursuit of Perfection the goal is primarily pleasing ourselves and impressing others. This objective brings forth fixation, neurosis and anxiousness in our lives. Furthermore: Perfection is something we strive for in our own power, which is at best restricted and flawed, so the outcome is doubtful and the particular objective not possible.
So, you may make an effort to do every little thing as close to perfect as possible and still be far from Holy.
In my program for women struggling with food related issues, I devote an entire week explaining how perfectionism links to food addiction. I also talk honestly about my own struggle in this area and share guidelines to help you break free from striving for something that fails to exist.
I encourage women of all ages to take 12 months, remove perfectionism, swap it with consistency, and discover the difference it can bring to their lives.
If you want to learn more about How to Stop Binge Eating by yourself then you might want to have a look at a program called “Women Struggling with Food”. This Online Program for women with severe food strugglescan teach you how to stop binge eating or stop bulimia for good.
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