“If you want something done right, do it yourself” the self-thought of every perfectionist ever. Why let someone else do it when you can do it better and faster, right?
I know you fellow perfectionists by heart because I am one of you. So, if you’ve already thought that I should have used a different word or that if you could have written it better, this article is for you.
It becomes second nature to make sure the task has been done right, and, even if it was, to change it because it's not the way you wanted it to be. As a perfectionist, I know that “group projects” are a nightmare. On the off chance that you actually get partners that want to participate (which always seems to happen), you have to try to find small things to keep them occupied so you can get the project done in a timely, and perfected manner.
You love to work alone but know, in the back of your mind, that most things cannot be a one-person job. As a result, you draw up detailed instructions that may or may not include times, dates, when to breathe, and maybe even how many bathroom breaks they are allowed. You are more than likely the person that no one wants to work with and you are happy with that reputation.
Your planner looks more like a highlighter exploded than an actual schedule, and I know you have more than one because I do too. If one of the squares is blank, you will write something like “do nothing all day, clean your room, or read a book” because you need a plan, even if it is to do nothing. The majority of the time the square is never blank because you have immersed yourself in every organization, club, or class you can squeeze your way into.
Your room/house goes through different stages. At times, it looks like a tornado ran through it, probably because you are running late and have no idea what you’re wearing. Other times it's because you were looking for something you know you put in the top of the closet but a ghost came and moved it to your desk drawer. Sometimes, it looks like a page out of a magazine, perfected to the point that no one is allowed in. More than likely, you’re using the excuse that your house is clean so you don’t have to pretend that you actually like people.
The few friends that you do have know how you are, and they are more than likely to ignore the fact that you didn’t ask them to come over, and do it anyway. These are the people that annoy you the most, but you can’t help but love them because they are the ones that remind you how to enjoy life without plans or schedules. Sometimes you need a reminder that you’re only human, perfection is impossible and life is better if you learn to “roll with the punches.”
