I have this little problem called perfectionism. You wouldn't know it by inspecting my closet, office, or by the haphazard way I have my shoes at the door. However, I assure you it rears its ugly head in the oddest of ways.
And here's the problem. Perfectionism is dangerous for those of us with a mental illness. It causes stress and anxiety. In the worse case scenario, it's plausible it could cause mania.
For me, an example is growing grass. You see, we just moved in to our house and, although we decided to attack the backyard next year, those patches of weeds and crab grass started eating away at me. I told myself I would focus solely on the worst parts. Just the worst parts, Wendy. Well, that went out the window as I kept expanding the areas. Suddenely, my goal shifted from sprucing it up to the unreasonable: nice, green grass like the picture on the bag. And everywhere!
What a set-up to fail!
My stress was through the roof as I grew more and more anxious and then I heard it: the word "perfect" crept in my brain. I stopped and had to pay attention.
Ugh. I hate when I think that word.
So, I decided whatever happened, however many blades grew, I was going to accept the outcome. (Funny enough, two days later, some sprouted! 
)
Here's my advice to avoid perfectionism:
- Try using a mantra such as "excellence, not perfection."
- Realize trying to attain perfection leads to stress.
- Ask yourself is jeopardizing your mental health really worth it?
- Decide you will be happy with xyz result. Keep repeating until you've internalized it.
- Use positive self-talk.
- When you receive a compliment, accept it and avoid switching to 'well I should've done this' or 'it would've been much better had I' or 'I meant to.' A simple thank you and smile works wonders.
- Think what a boring world we would have if everyone was perfect. Including yourself!