Ever heard of the word Atelophobia?
I bet some of us weren't aware of what that is called.
Atelophobia is the fear of not being good enough or not doing something right. And in other words, it's the fear of Imperfection
A lot of us have associated with this or welcome it. I mean you know that feeling of wanting to do everything right, of being perfect in all you do? You know that feeling of always wanting to do everything right or the right way.
But most times this isn't the case or the result. And because of this, many developed this inward fear of their inability or imperfection.
Initially, I used to be afraid of failure, I never welcomed it in any way so if I was doing anything or taking up any challenge, then I was all out to get it or face it head-on. I don't like losing, it's never my thing to lose so unconsciously I started being afraid of failure and never wanted to lose in anything I do.
But growing up, I realized that failure isn't always about what we can or cannot do.
It wasn't about the things we could accomplish or make a name for.
Failure simply taught me that either I wasn't doing something right or I wasn't giving it my best shot. So after realizing this, I wasn't really afraid of failures anymore.
If I gave my best shot in whatever it is I did, then there was no point in being afraid of losing or of failure. But if I didn't give it my best ability then I have to leave up to the consequences and not because I couldn't do that thing or handle that task but just because I didn't give it my best effort or energy.
ATELOPHOBIA
Etymologically, the word atelophobia is comprised of two Greek words: the prefix Atelo(s) means imperfect and the post-fix phobia means fear. Thus, the word atelophobia quite literally means they fear being imperfect. People with atelophobia often suffer and can develop debilitating depression or anxiety when their perceived expectations do not match reality.
A person suffering from such worries too much about what she is doing right or wrong. He or she is constantly afraid of being judged.
Of eating, writing, or even speaking wrongly.
But the sad truth too is that, they make unreachable goals of perfection.
And when that happens, the person is left feeling miserable and useless, and ineffective in his or her life.
The person suffering from Atelophabia progressively loses more and more self-confidence and self-esteem, reinforcing the belief that he or she can never do anything right.
Though most people with atelophobia are at least as intelligent and as talented as other people in society, their abilities and potential are masked by the fear of failure and not good enough. These individuals often choose not to compete with anyone, nor do they wish to accept challenges. They politely defer to others, fearing that there is no way that they will succeed anyway.
Ways To Overcome Atelophobia
For every disorder, disability or challenge, there are always ways of tackling it, dealing with it, or solving it.
There is always a solution for every problem. So I will share a few things to do or how to overcome Atelophobia.
Discover Or Find The Root Of Your Fear
This is pretty much the very first thing to do.
You have to know or discover the root or source of something to be able to deal with it or tackle it.
It is very important to know this because the earlier and better you know and understand the root or source of your fear, the easier it is to overcome it.Never Use Self-Depreciating Language
The earlier you realize that people accept or take you for who you say you truly are, the better you would know that you had better stop saying depreciating things about yourself and start appreciating every little thing about you.
You have to start believing in your words when you communicate them to people.
Words like I think..., I was hoping..., I don't know if I am wrong, but..., these are words you should do well to get rid of.
Start working with more confidence and people will start taking your words for what it isLove Yourself For Who You Are
If there is anything you love about yourself, then please always remember to spell it out and keep telling yourself that you are good and reminding yourself that you can't be perfect by knowing everything.
Simply appreciate yourself for the things you know.
Sometimes you don't feel good enough because you are busy comparing yourself to others, please don't do this. Try as much as you can to eliminate such a habit.Celebrate Your Successes
We oftentimes only celebrate the big things that happen to us or our huge successes forgetting the tiny ones.
Every slight thing achieved or accomplished should be celebrated. Yes, celebrate your successes because this can go a long way to boosting your self-confidence and reminding you of how good you are at whatever you do.
Confidence will turn your thoughts into action, and that action will help you achieve anything you set your mind to.
There are many other ways of fighting or overcoming Atelophobia other than the few I highlighted or listed here.
If you are suffering from Atelophobia or you know someone who is, then, please kindly help them out by telling them all about it and why they should tackle it before it consumes them.
No one is perfect so I also believe no one should be afraid of imperfection.
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