Perfectionism and ADHD are unravelled in this insightful podcast with Kate and Kristen. They discuss separating worth from performance, childhood trauma's impact, and the fear of failure. Overcoming perfectionism involves self-compassion, understanding rejection sensitivity, and focusing on personal growth. Embracing authenticity, self-care, and journaling are key to navigating ADHD challenges and achieving wellbeing.
Perfectionism alongside ADHD can hinder individuals from taking action and reaching their potential, highlighting the need to address this harmful thinking pattern.
Self-awareness, self-compassion, and lowering unrealistic standards can help individuals with ADHD navigate perfectionism and rejection sensitivity for improved well-being.
Deep dives
Perfectionism and ADHD: A Common Link for Men and Women
Perfectionism is a common trait observed in individuals with ADHD, impacting both men and women across various aspects of their lives, such as work and relationships. It manifests similarly regardless of gender, often hindering individuals from taking action and reaching their full potential. By recognizing and addressing perfectionism, individuals can untangle themselves from its hold and make more intentional lifestyle choices.
The Impact of Perfectionism on Mental Health and Well-being
Perfectionism, characterized by setting unrealistically high standards and self-criticism when unable to meet them, significantly affects mental health and overall well-being. It can lead to self-judgment, shame, and hindered task performance. For individuals with ADHD, perfectionism is a common thinking pattern that can impede goal achievement and daily functioning, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue to enhance overall well-being.
Coping Strategies for Perfectionism and Rejection Sensitivity
To navigate perfectionism and rejection sensitivity, individuals can benefit from self-awareness, self-compassion, and reframing their mindset. Acknowledging perfectionism triggers, leaning into discomfort, and making self-kindness a priority can help manage critical self-talk and fear of rejection. Lowering unrealistic standards and focusing on strengths while delegating or outsourcing tasks can create a healthier balance and reduce the burden of trying to excel in all areas.
Finding Authenticity and Embracing Vulnerability
By embracing authenticity and vulnerability, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their true self and strengths. Recognizing personal limitations, honoring preferences, and prioritizing what brings joy and fulfillment can lead to a more authentic and empowered approach to daily life. Accepting imperfections and self-compassion pave the way for building resilience and creating a supportive inner environment amidst challenges like perfectionism and rejection sensitivity.
"Choosing between the potential of failing and maybe succeeding...or failing ahead of time by not doing it at all."
In this week’s episode, our host, Kate Moryousseftalks about how perfectionism shows up alongside ADHD with her guest, Kristen Carder, an ADHD expert and host of the I Have ADHD podcast.
During this episode of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Kate and Kristen talked about:
What perfectionism is
How it shows up for people with ADHD
Separating your worthiness from your performance
How shame from childhood can create perfectionism as an adult
Trauma response and perfectionism
Breaking perfectionism down to understand to override it
Fear disguised as perfectionism and how you’re ultimately protecting yourself
Awareness and using self-compassionate talk
Deciphering RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria) and perfectionism
Focusing on what lights you up and lowering the bar and inner expectation so we can move forwards
Rest can be the most productive thing we can do - manage our energy.
Join the waitlist for my new program, ADHD Mindset & Energy Re-Programme