From Liability to Asset: Using Your Personality Traits to Support Recovery

You may be genetically predisposed to certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or impulsiveness, which can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. However, you don't have to be at the mercy of these traits. Any trait can be a liability or an asset, depending on how you channel it. Once you understand and accept your traits, you can keep them in balance and channel them in a positive, healthy, and constructive way.

For example, if you are perfectionistic, this trait can often suck the joy out of your life. You may feel that you never measure up to what is expected of you, or you may struggle to celebrate your successes because you always feel that what you've done is never quite good enough. Being a perfectionist can also hinder your recovery, as it can easily make you feel that a single slip-up has erased all your progress so far. However, this drive to give your all isn't inherently bad. By accepting that "good enough" is indeed good enough, you can apply your precision to many areas of your life without being too hard on yourself. This trait can be advantageous in running a successful business, obtaining a degree, learning a new language, renovating your house, etc.

Another example is stubbornness. Being stubborn can lead to missing out on growth opportunities due to a refusal to accept other people's input or opinions as valid. This can also affect your relationships, as others might feel invalidated by you. Stubbornness can get in your way during recovery if you refuse to try doing things differently. However, being determined (a positive spin on stubbornness) can help you reach your goals. A determined person doesn't get discouraged easily by setbacks, opposing opinions, or slower progress. This trait can also help you advocate for yourself and set boundaries.

Impulsiveness is another trait that can have negative consequences if not balanced. Acting impulsively without thinking things through can hurt your relationships (e.g., saying something hurtful, trying to have a conversation the other person isn't ready for, or ending a relationship without good reason). It can also harm your finances (e.g., buying something expensive without considering if you need it, investing in stocks without research, or moving to another city without the necessary funds or a safety net). Additionally, impulsiveness can get you into legal trouble if you act recklessly. However, maintaining balance allows you to remain spontaneous. People will appreciate your willingness to try new things, and you probably rarely get bored. You are likely better at adapting to new situations, and spontaneity can aid your creativity and artistic aspirations. Being spontaneous can also prevent you from overscheduling or overplanning, helping you stay in the moment and enjoy it. Disclaimer: The content I provide is intended for broad educational purposes only and should not be taken as specific medical or psychological advice regarding eating disorders. It is not a recommendation or substitute for professional treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an eating disorder or any other mental health issue.