Embrace the Journey: Healing Perfectionism and Overachieving
Nadja El Fertasi
Rebel with Purpose | Championing EQ in the Age of AI ?? | ?? Building Thriving Workplaces | ?? Mental Health | ??? Emotional Firewalls for Families | Speaker, Coach & Trainer | Building the Thrive with EQ Community ??
"I am struggling with perfectionism, Nadja. How do I get over that? How do I let go of the need to please, to overachieve, and finally feel content with where I am now?"
Welcome to this week’s EQ Oasis Digest!
Perfectionism is a struggle so many of us face—constantly striving to do more, be more, and achieve more, often at the expense of our well-being.
This week, we explore the path from perfectionism to self-acceptance. Together, we’ll reflect on how to break free from the relentless cycle of overachievement and move toward embracing who we are rather than what we do.
Let’s dive into the journey of finding balance between striving for growth and appreciating the beauty of imperfection.
Monday: Moonlight Motivation ??
Transform Emotional Pain into Personal Power
Do you feel weighed down by the burden of needing to be perfect? Imagine carrying an emotional backpack filled with stones from your past—each representing rejection, fear, or self-doubt. By learning to let go of these stones, you can lighten your load and reclaim your power.
Action Step:
Take 10 minutes today to journal about a moment in your life when perfectionism held you back. Ask yourself: What would happen if I let go of the need to be perfect?
For more insights into transforming emotional pain, check out the Heal with EQ Premium Newsletter.
Tuesday: Mars in Motion ??
Tuesday: Mars in Motion ??
Podcast: Overcoming the Fear of Being Seen
On Tuesday, I reflected on the fear that often accompanies perfectionism—the fear of visibility. We strive to be flawless to avoid criticism or judgment, but in doing so, we hide our authentic selves.
In this podcast episode, I share my personal journey and provide strategies for using vulnerability as a strength to overcome this fear.
Wednesday: Mercury’s Wisdom ??
A Note From Your Future Self
Hey you,
You did it.
You let go of the need to be perfect, and you embraced the beautiful, messy, and perfectly imperfect journey of life.
Because of your courage, you discovered that your flaws were never weaknesses. They were stepping stones to growth, connection, and authenticity.
You stopped trying to prove your worth and started living from it.
And that’s when everything changed.
Reflection Prompt:
What is one belief about perfectionism that your future self would want you to release today?
Thursday: Jupiter’s Growth ??
The Healing Power of Self-Acceptance
Perfectionism often stems from an inner void—a belief that we’re not enough as we are. On Thursday, we explored how self-acceptance transforms this void into wholeness.
When you stop striving for perfection, you open the door to genuine growth. Healing begins when we embrace our imperfections and recognize that they are part of what makes us human.
Action Step:
Write a letter to yourself celebrating three imperfections that make you unique and valuable.
Listen in as we redefine success together. Tune in below.
Friday: Venus Friday ??
Poetry Corner: The Journey to Enough
Overcoming Perfectionism through a soulful moment reminding us that it is never about achieving a state of perfection, but to immerse in the journey of aspiring to live our highest and truest expression of self.
Perfect. Perfection. Perfecting.
Three words that shaped her life’s journey.
She believed the goal of life was to be perfect.
She believed the pursuit of perfection was the only path.
She believed she had to perfect herself in every way imaginable.
That’s what life taught her—if she wasn’t perfect, she wasn’t enough.
If she wasn’t perfect, she wouldn’t get the job or the promotion.
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If she wasn’t perfect, she wouldn’t find love.
If she wasn’t perfect, she would be rejected.
If she wasn’t perfect, she would be left out in the cold.
Her worthiness became a reflection of her endless journey toward perfection.
But she never reached that destination.
Because she discovered the truth: it was all a lie.
A lie meant to keep her from realizing her true power.
Because if she saw how powerful she was in her imperfection, in her flaws, in her authenticity,
They could no longer control her.
They could no longer make her feel less than enough.
They could no longer convince her to spend more, to fill the void of worthlessness.
They could no longer keep her contained in the claws of control.
So she let go of perfection.
Instead, she embraced excellence as her guiding North Star.
You see, excellence didn’t demand her to be less, think less, or show up as less than she was.
Excellence embraced her as she was and inspired her to live beyond her potential.
Excellence encouraged her to unlock the unique talents and gifts lying dormant in her soul,
So she could shine like a diamond in the dark skies of others.
Excellence pushed her to serve something far greater than perfection could ever imagine.
Something that resided in her soul, an essence invisible to the mind and felt through her heart.
And with that, the heavy burden of perfection dissolved.
In its place, excellence gave birth to a perfectly imperfect divine being,
One who embraced the truth of her worth.
Reflection Prompt:
What would your life look like if you replaced perfectionism with excellence?
Saturday: Saturn’s Shield ??
Building Boundaries with Perfectionism
When you’re caught in the trap of perfectionism, it can feel impossible to say “no” or set boundaries. But boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and emotional well-being.
Strategies for Setting Boundaries with Yourself:
Reflection Prompt:
What boundary can you set this week to honor your well-being over perfectionism?
Sunday: Solar Shine ??
Affirmations for Embracing Imperfection
Close the week by practicing these affirmations:
Action Step:
Write down your favorite affirmation and repeat it throughout the week to anchor yourself in self-acceptance.
?? Deepen Your Journey
Ready to take your emotional intelligence journey to the next level? Here are some powerful ways to deepen your growth and transformation:
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll explore the topic of healing from narcissistic relationships—learning how to break free and rebuild emotional resilience.
Thank you for being here and for taking this step toward self-love and acceptance. Remember, you are worthy, not because of what you achieve, but because of who you are.
With love and gratitude,
Nadja ?? ?? ??
P.S. If this week’s newsletter resonates with you, share it with someone who might need a reminder that they are enough, just as they are. Together, let’s build a community of self-love and empowerment.
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4 个月Great post, Nadja El Fertasi! Overcoming perfectionism is a journey that requires self-compassion and letting go of the need for constant validation. It’s about shifting focus from flawless achievement to appreciating personal growth and embracing imperfections as part of who we are. When we recognize that self-worth isn’t tied to external success, we open the door to greater peace and resilience. Thank you for sharing your story... it's a powerful reminder that we are enough, just as we are. Have a safe, positive, and productive day! Chris Clevenger