How Therapy Helps Perfectionists Stop Moving the Goalposts

Do you ever reach a goal and immediately start thinking about what you need to accomplish next?

For perfectionists, success can feel temporary. You finish the project, get the promotion, earn the grade, or reach the goal, but instead of feeling proud, your mind quickly moves the goalposts.

Perfectionism doesn't only live in your thoughts. You may feel it in your body, too. 

When you're constantly trying to get things right, avoid mistakes, meet expectations, or prove that you're doing enough, your body may begin carrying some of that pressure. Do you notice how your body feels?

How Does Movement Help Quiet an Overthinking Brain?

Ever feel like your brain just won't shut up? Get out of your head by moving your body. 

You replay that conversation from yesterday. You reread the text you sent three times. You wonder if you made the right decision. You stress about your grades, your relationships, your future—and then somehow end up overthinking the fact that you're overthinking. You are all in your head. Maybe you are stressed because you are a freshman at  college and the stress of performing well is overwhelming. Or you are a senior in college that is anxious and worried about graduating and finding a job. 

If you're a perfectionist or high achiever, your brain may be constantly looking for the "right" answer or trying to make sure you don't mess up. You could be replaying the coulda, woulda, shoulda game with yourself.