how do i stop being hard on myself?

Learning the difference between perfectionism and high standards may set you free. Because perfection is a worthless standard, it is unattainable due to the fact that no human is perfect. It’s virtually impossible to achieve perfection and those who spend time trying to are wasting their time. A better option is to maintain high standards and to learn that good enough IS good enough. You need to make a conscious decision to wipe the words “perfect” and “perfectionism” out of your vocabulary and replace them with words like “best in class”, and “good enough.”

The Bible indicates that an effort to be perfect can prove to be like “chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4, Today’s English Version) Have you tried praying about the matter? Psalms 55:22 tells us, “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you…” Paul told us in Romans 10:13 that, “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” So talk to God in prayer and remember to use his specific name: Jehovah. Also you must ask in faith that he will answer your prayer.—Matthew 21:22

Also for some more practical advice log into http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/, then scroll down until you find the two books called Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work (Volumes 1 & 2). Click on volume 2 and on page 225 you’ll find a whole chapter titled, “Why Do I Feel That I Have to Be Perfect?”. You can download them and read them for Free....Show more