Sept. 17 is Wolfpack Wellness Day! While students don’t have classes or assignments due, Wellness Day is an opportunity for everyone in the CALS and the NC State community to reflect on our health and well-being.

As we consider our wellness journey, it may be a good time to examine areas that are holding us back. For many, the pursuit of perfection, or the need to be “good enough,” may be hindering us from reaching our wellness goals — but we don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. 

The Perfectionism Paradox

We all strive for excellence in our work, but sometimes this pursuit of perfection can create unnecessary stress and hinder our well-being. Perfectionism can manifest in many areas of our lives:

• Physical: We might skip workouts because we don’t have a full hour, or feel guilty for enjoying a dessert.
• Emotional: We might berate ourselves for minor mistakes or feel overwhelmed by the pressure to always be “on.”
• Financial: We might delay contributing to our savings because we haven’t reached an arbitrary income level or feel stressed about not having a “perfect” budget.
• Social: We might avoid social events because we don’t feel “put together” or feel pressured to always be the perfect host or guest.
• Community: We might hesitate to volunteer or contribute to community projects if we can’t commit fully or fear not making a “perfect” impact.
• Purpose: We might feel unfulfilled or question our career choices if we haven’t achieved a certain level of success or recognition that aligns with our idealized vision.

The irony is that this striving for perfection often leads to the opposite outcome. We end up feeling stressed, burned out and disconnected from the very things that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Finding Harmony in the Flow

Instead of fighting against the inevitable twists and turns of life, let’s focus on finding harmony and acceptance. Here are a few tips:

• Embrace Imperfection: Recognize that things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Celebrate your effort and progress, even if the outcome isn’t “perfect.”
• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Acknowledge that you’re doing your best under challenging circumstances.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule time for activities that nourish you. This could be a walk, reading, spending time with loved ones or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
• Learn to Say No: It’s okay to set boundaries and decline additional commitments if your plate is full.
• Seek Support: Reach out to colleagues, friends, or family, or utilize the resources below if you need help managing stress or perfectionistic tendencies.

Employee Wellness Resources:

• NC State’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP)
• CALS Wellness webpage
• University HR Wellness webpage

Embracing the Journey

Well-being is not a destination, but a journey. It’s about finding balance, embracing imperfections and prioritizing what truly matters. Let’s create a supportive environment in CALS where we encourage each other to prioritize well-being.

Happy Wolfpack Wellness Day! Let’s make it a day of self-care and appreciation for all that we do.