On Perfectionism
by Dan Gorski
Perfectionism has lived with me for as long as I can remember.
Perfectionism has pushed me to write every day. It’s very motivating.
Perfectionism makes me wonder how I would even survive without it.
Perfectionism demands constant attention.
Perfectionism takes a lot of my time.
Perfectionism reminds me it will eventually make me happy.
Perfectionism even treats me to ice cream when I reach my daily writing goal.
Perfectionism expects more of me. It makes me feel like I just need to try harder.
Perfectionism never seems to explain to me in specifics what it wants from me. It only speaks in generalities, but it does so with confidence.
Perfectionism promises me I will know completion when I see it. Again, just need to try harder. Why can’t I trust it?
Perfectionism punishes me when I share my work with others.
Perfectionism does not understand why I would go behind its back like that.
Perfectionism encourages me to think I can always get better.
Perfectionism forgives me once I get back to work.
Perfectionism makes me feel comfortable.
Perfectionism makes lots of promises.
Perfectionism sure seems to take up a lot of space and energy, so it must know something I don’t know.
Perfectionism fills my head with lots of confusing thoughts that somehow make me forget what I’m doing at times.
Perfectionism even plays games with my head. It means well.
Perfectionism thinks I need to take it easy. I just need a little more time. That’s all.
Perfectionism only wants what’s best for me.
Perfectionism will make me great some day.
Perfectionism never seems satisfied.
Perfectionism makes lots of promises that never seem to materialize.
Perfectionism always has a good excuse.
Perfectionism lies. It even gaslights.
Perfectionism treats me like I don’t know anything.
Perfectionism sure takes a lot of time and attention during my therapy sessions.
Perfectionism acts like it does not really need me.
Perfectionism holds me back. It seems to stop me from getting better.
Perfectionism admitted during my last therapy session that it just wants to protect me from failure.
Perfectionism then blurted out it also wants to protect me from success.
Perfectionism showed its true colors.
Perfectionism no longer serves me.
Perfectionism does not actually love me after all.
Perfection doesn’t know how to love. It only knows how to take.
Perfectionism can fuck right off.
I have survived without it in the past. If I really think about it.
In fact, let’s drop it. Ignore it. Let it die.
I have new friends anyway.
Failure and success.
They take turns, but it all works out.
They love me for who I am.