Everywhere we turn, we’re bombarded with people and images telling and showing us how to be perfect. The trick, however, is that perfection is impossible, yet we continue to look for the perfect partner, get the perfect job, or have the perfect body. In the process, we’re making our lives miserable.
Take a look at these five ways you’re accidentally making yourself unhappy because sometimes you just need to be reminded that everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
5. You expect people to read your mind.
We constantly set expectations for how we want our lives to be, yet we often neglect to communicate those expectations. This sets up a pattern of failure because, let’s face it, no one can read your mind. Whether you’re upset that you didn’t get the raise you wanted, or you’re annoyed that your friend didn’t call, it might be time to think about how well you are communicating what you want. If you aren’t communicating with others about what you want or need, it’s unfair to expect that others will know what you want.
Once you start communicating more openly with the people in your life, you’ll be amazed at how many frustrations will fade away.
4. You don’t trust yourself.
When faced with a tough decision do you usually ask others what to do? Most people ask their friends and family what to do, and while it’s completely normal to get input on a situation, the reality is everyone has motives and those motives might not align with your goals. Instead of feeling pressured and persuaded into something you know isn’t right, listen to your intuition. The more you trust yourself to make decisions the better in tune you’ll be with your intuition.
In every situation, you’re presented with decisions, and next time ask yourself which option brings you closer to achieving your goals.
3. You’re waiting for Prince Charming.
There’s a difference between having high standards and having impossible standards, and if you’re waiting around for Prince Charming to whisk you off your feet, you’ll be waiting a while. And while you’re waiting, you’ll have missed out on the incredibly kind, caring person just because they aren’t tall, tan, or successful.
You should never settle for someone who treats you poorly, but if you can’t seem to find a girlfriend/boyfriend it might be time to examine your expectations and stop blaming yourself for not attracting the perfect mate.
2. You freak out when things don’t go according to plan.
Things have a way of going wrong at the worst possible times, but it’s important to recognize that you have no control over those things. What you do have control over is how you handle those situations. Sure it’s natural to get upset, but if you let car braking down or waking up with a pimple on your forehead ruin your day, you’ll never be happy.
Once you accept that life doesn’t look like an Instagram feed, you’ll feel liberated and maybe you’ll even be able to find the humor in these daily annoyances.
1. You expect your body to be perfect.
All too often we set unrealistic goals for how our bodies should look. We think that these ‘imperfections’ stand in the way of loving ourselves, but really we’re the only thing in the way. Even if you do manage to lose those last 10 pounds, it won’t be long until you fund other things to fix. Once you come to terms with the fact that your body will never be ‘perfect’, you can stop making yourself hate your body and start appreciating all the incredible things your body does for you.
Are you accidentally making any of these mistakes in your life?
[Featured image credit: scdlifestyle.com]