From Perfectionism to Presence- How to Uproot Insecurity

Moksha Living
4 min readAug 29, 2024

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Perfectionism, often defined as the relentless pursuit of flawlessness, is more than just a desire to excel — it’s a symptom of striving for ideals that can trap us in a cycle of pain and frustration. This article helps to overcome the insecurity that underlies perfectionism, a force that pushes us to chase unattainable standards, leaving us feeling perpetually inadequate.

Despite knowing perfection is impossible, many of us are caught in its grip, driven by the fear of not being good enough. Understanding the root causes of perfectionism is crucial in breaking free from its hold and finding a path toward living more authentically.

Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of perfectionism and how to gain the courage to be authentic, confident and creative.

3 Insecurities that Cause Perfectionism

  • Fear of Failure: The fear of failure paralyzes us. We become so obsessed with avoiding mistakes that we miss valuable opportunities for growth and learning, reinforcing the belief that only perfection is acceptable.
  • Impostor Syndrome: Is a persistent feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt driven by anxiety. The constant need to prove ourselves drives us to set impossibly high standards, leaving us in a perpetual state of stress.
  • Procrastination: Procrastination can cause execution paralysis. We become so bogged down by the details and fear of not getting it right that we never actually get started, leading to frustration and further anxiety.

Recognizing these causes of perfectionism is the first step toward breaking free from the fear that fuels it. If you’re ready to dive deeper and develop a mindful mastery of authenticity, keep reading. . .

Prioritize Presence

Perfectionism often shifts our focus entirely to the end result, causing us to lose sight of what is truly meaningful and enjoyable in the process. This tunnel vision can increase anxiety, as we become fixated on unrealistic goals and timelines.

Practicing presence can help you balance perfectionism and reduce anxiety. Being present with yourself and your moment-to-moment experience allows you to cultivate acceptance, patience, and a deeper connection with the here and now.

Keep reading below to discover how to practice presence over perfectionism and experience the freedom of living authentically!

5 Steps to Practice Presence over Perfectionism

Step 1: Cut out Comparisons — Give yourself credit for what you admire in others, reflect on the full picture, and most importantly, compare yourself to yourself, not others.

Step 2 Prioritize Self-Care — You can’t trust yourself if you aren’t taking care of your Body, Mind, and Spirit . Prioritize self-care with daily habits that are healthy, nourishing, and affirming.

Step 3: Savor What is Significant to You -Focus on what is most valuable in your daily experiences, and intentionally create more of it.

Step 4: Zoom Out — When you feel dissatisfied or overwhelmed, pause. Step back to see the bigger picture, accept your feelings without judgment, and gently guide your focus back to the present.

Step 5: Celebrate Success. Periodically acknowledge your growth and achievements, which can counteract the anxiety-driven need for perfection by reinforcing your self-worth.

Join our Intentional Living Workshop Series!

At Moksha Living, we understand that doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety are natural parts of the human experience. We’re here to support you on your journey. Join us in our upcoming Intentional Living series so you can learn practical tools and strategies for cultivating trust in yourself as you navigate your life, relationships, and career.

Join us in our upcoming Intentional Living Series™, where we help you align your physical, mental, and emotional habits to improve holistic health, enhance relationships, and transform your life from anxiety to abundance.

Schedule a Free Consultation Below to Learn More:

Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Schedule a consultation to discover which of our services are right for you.

Michell Stanley, Founder and Creative Director

As a holistic psychotherapist and a life coach, I use life coaching and psychology to help you be more intentional in your life and relationships so you can evolve through obstacles and enhance fulfillment.

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