Neurodivergence and Perfectionism: How to Let Go of Overthinking
Neurodivergence and Perfectionism: How to Let Go of Overthinking Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent way too much time overthinking something, convinced that it has to be perfect before you can call it done. Same. For neurodivergent folks, perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it pushes us to do amazing work; on the other, it can leave us stuck in a cycle of second-guessing and burnout. But here’s the truth: perfection is a myth. And letting go of that overthinking spiral? It’s not just freeing—it’s essential. Let’s unpack why neurodivergent people often struggle with perfectionism and how we can start embracing imperfection instead. Why Perfectionism Hits Neurodivergent People So Hard Perfectionism isn’t just about wanting things to be “just right.” For many neurodivergent folks, it’s a response to a lifetime of being misunderstood or judged. We’ve learned that being “perfect” is a way to avoid criticism, rejection, or worse—feeling like we don’t b...