You either have it or you don’t. I, for one have been bursed by it. That’s right, bursed –the delightful combination of blessed and cursed. On the one hand, having the perfection syndrome signifies you are a determined soul, going the extra mile to make sure things get done and constantly aim higher.

On the other hand, there’s the dealing of those exhausted neurons, firing incessantly as if committing brain arson causing sleepless nights, chronic anxiety, endless glances at the mirror and a ridiculously long list of neurotic side effects.  And the most amusing part is that this idea of “perfection” or how things are “supposed” to be is a complete fabrication of your own mind.

Coming from a yogini the perfection syndrome is quite the characteristic to have had to learn to live with and adapt to. In yoga, perfection is not something that you attain, it’s something that just is and exists in each and every one of us. And through the connection of the mind/body/spirit, that quality of being present, of being centered in the now, is the remedy to completely let go of illusions, of the mindless mind chatter.

Although it’s a tough syndrome to deal with, it has taught me quite a few lessons. Interesting that is the exact dichotomy that exists. By allowing yourself to fail, to be wrong, you allow yourself to learn lessons and as a result grow.

So if you are like me that can suffer from the perfection syndrome from time to time, ask yourself this: would you rather be always right/perfect or would you rather be happy?