It is good to strive for excellence in all that you do, but perfectionism is an extreme that can actually hinder your well-being.

How do I know? I used to be one. If everything was not perfect, my mind just would not rest until it was. Do you know what I mean?

When I first went to Mexico it did not take me long to realize that if I was to survive there at all I was going to need to make some major changes. I was certainly going to need to learn not to fret when some things just were not quite perfect. If not, I could end up as a nervous wreak.

Sure there are perfectionists in Mexico too, but the culture in general places much more emphasis on people and relationships. Other things tend to take a lower priority. Consequently they tend to enjoy their lives with a greater ease than those in the western world do.

Their happiness does not depend on everything around them being perfect. This happens more especially in the villages where they don’t always have all of the “mod cons”.

As long as everyone around them is happy that is all that matters. Again, this happens especially in the villages where there is not the same materialism as is found in the cities.

Yes they have needs and problems. However despite their struggles and the difficulties of life, they are often happier and live in more freedom than the western world full of materialism does.

Think about it:

• What would really happen if you could relax even if everything was not just as you like it? Would the world fall apart?
• You may find yourself becoming more flexible and tolerant once you learn to release some things.
• This could well mean that people will be more at ease around you. They would feel freer right?

Let’s face it, how do you feel when things are not turning out as perfectly as you planned? Upset, worried, nervous – right? That is, if you are a perfectionist. Those emotions are very binding and will certainly hinder your well-being. This can hinder your health and happiness for sure.

Is it really worth making people around you upset and nervous plus putting strain on your own health?

Decide what is REALLY more important to you.

• Do you really value things being in order more than relationships?
• Are you really happier when everything is in its place than when those around you are happy? (I am not talking about living in a mess, but rather about finding a balance).
• Could it be that perfectionism can be a selfish trait? Ouch!

Is it time to release some things in your life and allow yourself to be more carefree? You may make some amazing discoveries if you do.