Goose – A Symbol of Perfectionism

goose - a symbol of perfectionismThe goose mainly brings positive thoughts, memories, and feelings for me.  I am fairly certain that this is one of my totem animals.  That said, I can also relate to some goose symbolism or characteristics that might actually be problematic in my life.  This tapping exercise is about one of them.   The goose is often associated with perfectionism.  I’m sure I can hear those of you that know me taking an audible gasp of air.  Yes, I’ll admit it.  I can be somewhat perfectionistic (but not about everything) and it sometimes interferes with my life.  Can you relate? Take a few moments and check in with your own perfectionistic tendencies, or lack thereof, then get started with the tapping exercise.

illustration for karate chop pointSetup (Karate Chop Point): Even though I want to be perfect in most everything I do, or at least I want others to think that I’m perfect, I choose to love, honor, and respect myself just as I am in this moment. Even though perfectionism is something I know can be over the top, I don’t want to let go of my high standards. I choose to allow myself to grow and develop in this area. In spite of my tendency to be really hard on myself and expect a standard of perfection that isn’t really possible, healthy, or effective, I deeply and completely love and respect myself as a work in progress.

diagram of the tapping pointsEyebrow…Perfectionism

Side of Eye…An unattainable standard

Under the Eye…It seems like a good goal

Under the Nose…But it really seems to lower my productivity

Chin…And stifle my creativity

Collarbone…My rational brain knows that perfectionism isn’t possible

Under the Arm…But my emotional brain sees it as a necessity

Top of Head…This needs to be perfect

Eyebrow…There seems to be a lot attached to this

Side of Eye…It almost seems necessary

Under the Eye…Sure, I got lots of praise when I did things well

Under the Nose…And experienced criticism if I didn’t

Chin…That’s normal for most people

Collarbone…But I feel that criticism very deeply

Under the Arm…And I’ve gotten quite good at being the critic myself

Top of Head…In spite of all of this

Eyebrow…I am trying to learn to love and respect myself more

Side of Eye…Perfectionism

Under the Eye…A double-edged sword

Under the Nose…It can help me

Chin…And it can definitely hurt me

Collarbone…The truth is

Under the Arm…I feel safer if I am the one doing the criticizing

Top of Head…Rather than waiting for someone else to do it

Eyebrow…And now I just seem to expect it

Side of Eye…This is definitely something I’d like to let go of

Under the Eye…The perfectionism

Under the Nose…The fear of criticism

Chin…Craving praise

Collarbone…Trying to prevent embarrassment

Under the Arm…Of having someone else see a flaw

Top of Head…My problem with perfectionism

 

For me, and for many other people, perfectionism is a deeply rooted problem and we have many experiences that have shaped our thinking.  I’m pretty sure the tapping reminded you of some of those experiences.  Write those down, and then go back and tap on the points while running the event in your mind like a movie.