Perfectionism in Twelve Step Recovery is the irrational belief that you must never make a mistake.

Symptoms of Perfectionism:

• Rigidness and the inability to be flexible with yourself and others
• Thinking you should be at your best at all times
• Thinking if you make a mistake, you might as well give up
• Thinking you are never good enough, and must constantly try harder
• Believing what you achieve is important, not who you are
• Fear of failure so you do not try

Planet Earth is an imperfect place to reside, and if you cannot accept your imperfections, and the imperfections of others, you will exist in a state of constant frustration, irritability, and angst.

“I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”

~ Marilyn Monroe

Perfection implies an end. Recovery from addiction is a process, an ongoing journey, and may be the most challenging obstacle you face in your lifetime.

There is no perfect path to permanent recovery, no perfect examples of sobriety or abstinence to follow, and no perfect timetable to work the Twelve Steps.

The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather then spiritual perfection.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter 5, page 60

Spiritual Baby Steps

“Progress not perfection,” reminds us to gently look at how far we have come spiritually from when we were practicing our addiction, to where we are today.

The same principle applies in other areas of your life.

If you are like most of us, no one will ever be harder on you than you are.

I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be. ~ Katie, my first sponsor in Narcotics Anonymous

Perfectionism is a character defect. In early Twelve Step recovery, it can gnaw on fragile feelings of self-worth like a ravenous predator. Take a look at where you were when you attended your first meeting, got your 90 day chip, and celebrated your first anniversary. Then make a gratitude list, and thank God for the progress you have made.

Recovery Rocks!

Roxie

You are invited to sign the Recovery Wall

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