The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Megan Brewer, IMH Perfectionism costs us more than we realize and takes more energy than we are willing to admit. Many people will wear perfectionism around like a badge or as a description of who they are. They explain their actions or thoughts by saying nonchalantly, “I’m just a perfectionist.” But perfectionism is not an identity. It’s much more a method of survival we have adopted to protect ourselves from the parts of us we feel are inadequate or not enough.  Striving for the impossible standards of perfectionism is like trying to fill a never-ending hole with more and more work and expecting it to one day be filled. Perfectionism is different from a good work ethic or being passionately driven towards a goal. Perfectionism is exhaustive striving, with no personal boundaries, in an attempt to make up what we feel is lacking in ourselves.  Perfectionism robs us of ourselves How aware are you of the moments when an image of your perceived ideal slides in...

  By: Megan Muñoz IMH Comparison can be a sticky topic because not all comparison has an adverse effect on us. There are lighter sides to comparison when it impacts us positively. Sometimes comparing our story with others can motivate us to live more fully in our own. When we read about or watch someone move into a challenge and navigate their way through difficulties with perseverance, it can help us find the courage to face our own fears. Comparison can also help us put our own life in perspective. Sometimes comparison can be helpful to evaluate our situation with more clarity and objectivity when we get stuck inside our own thoughts, emotions and environment for too long. But there is a darker side to comparison that keeps us stuck and unable to move forward in our life. The darker side of comparison is where shame lives.  It sits just out of consciousness, shrouded in the shadows, making it difficult to recognize. When this side of comparison is activel...

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Highly sensitive people (HSP) are so aware of their surroundings that even the slightest change in mood, tone, or temperature is noted. They have a unique ability to sense the emotions of others, absorb the feelings, empathize deeply, and are keenly aware of how to make things better. As natural perfectionists, not for the benefit of others but for themselves, they try hard not to make mistakes. They are intense thinkers and feelers, conscientious, easily overwhelmed, hyper-sensitive to smells and tastes, and need to withdraw to regroup. Many HSPs will say that they literally cannot live without the arts or music. If you know of someone who fits this profile, there are ten things which cause an immediate negative reaction in a HSP. 1.        “You need to go faster.” HSPs have a difficult time doing things at a fast pace and reminding them of this will most likely result in them going even slower. 2.    ...