She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Goal Setting: When Perfectionism Takes Over

As a self-proclaimed goal enthusiast, I’ve always been driven to plan and organize my life to the minute detail. My friends might joke that I’m a little too obsessive, but for me, there’s no greater satisfaction than crossing off a task on my to-do list or hitting a financial milestone.

The Thrill of the Chase

My love affair with goal setting began when I moved out of my parents’ house at 22. I created a meticulous Excel spreadsheet to track every bill, loan, and personal expense. The sense of control and accomplishment I felt was intoxicating. I was on top of my finances, saving money, and feeling like a responsible adult.

The Slippery Slope of Obsession

But as time went on, my goal setting habits started to spiral out of control. I became fixated on achieving bigger and better financial milestones, neglecting the smaller victories along the way. I was so focused on the end result that I lost sight of the journey. Every month, I’d scrutinize my budget, trimming expenses to the bare minimum, sacrificing my quality of life in the process.

The Unintended Consequences

This relentless pursuit of perfection led to feelings of inadequacy and stress. I was no longer content with small wins; I needed everything to happen faster, and my self-worth became tied to my ability to meet my financial goals. The pressure was suffocating, and the thought of not completing my goals was crippling.

Finding Balance

It took a step back and a hard look at my priorities to realize that my goal setting habits had become unhealthy. I needed to find a balance between achieving my financial goals and enjoying the present moment. I learned that it’s okay to indulge in small pleasures, like buying strawberries, without feeling guilty or anxious about derailing my entire budget.

A New Perspective

Today, I approach goal setting with a more nuanced perspective. I still set ambitious targets, but I also prioritize my well-being and happiness. I’ve come to understand that the journey, not just the destination, is what truly matters. By finding joy in the process, I’ve rediscovered the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that initially drove me to set goals in the first place.