How to Stop Being Type A: 7 Ways to Break the Obsession and Relax

1. Hang out with Type B Peeps

The best thing someone dealing with a type A personality obsession can do is find some type B friends to get close to. They tend to have a soothing, relaxing effect on you. Their laid-back, calm approach to life can rub off on you when you need it most. I married a type B person—as many type A individuals often do—and learning how to handle type A personality traits together has been immensely beneficial. He helps balance me out whenever my perfectionist tendencies kick in.

2. Schedule DownTime Activities

You know, I laugh and say that I have to schedule downtime, but it is completely true! If I do not have relaxation explicitly written into my calendar, I know that it is simply not going to happen. I set my days up so there are dedicated windows built in for rest, self-care, and fun. Pair this habit with learning to try a day without a list to give your mind a true break from constant planning.

Here are a few low-pressure downtime ideas you can easily schedule into your week:

3. Try a Day without a List

I am such a dedicated list maker, as most type A people are. I often have a structured list ready of everything I hope to accomplish each day. Even if my day veers off course, I feel safer knowing I have a checklist to follow. Every now and then, though, it is healthy to have a day where you put the to-do list away and just try to go with the flow. If you find yourself struggling with how to break an obsession with productivity, taking a break from your lists is a great first step. You can read more about simple ways to mindfully relax on quiet weekend days.

4. Remind Yourself That the World Goes on

The world will not stop if every single item on your list is not completed by the deadline you set for yourself. Can you tell I have had to work hard on learning this lesson? Realizing that you can work on tasks tomorrow is a liberating feeling. It teaches you how to pace yourself and prioritize what truly matters instead of feeling like everything must be finished today.

5. Challenge Yourself to Rest

Resting does not come easily to high achievers. Over the past year, I have worked intentionally on learning how wonderful and restorative true rest can be. To guide your perspective, here is a quick comparison of how shifting your mindset changes your relationship with rest:

Now that I know how enjoyable quiet moments can be according to research on relaxation techniques for stress management, I look forward to those periods of the day. Having a specific stopping point helps us type A individuals step away. That way, I can work right up to that time and then enjoy a magazine or watch a show without feeling guilty.

6. Practice Saying “My Best is Good Enough”

This is another essential strategy when learning how to deal with type A personality expectations. Type A individuals are rarely satisfied with anything less than perfection. But let’s be honest: perfection is usually unattainable, and expecting it constantly leads straight to burnout. Embracing the affirmation that your best effort is good enough is incredibly healthy for your mental well-being. If a project doesn't go exactly as planned, remind yourself to accept imperfection rather than dwell on mistakes.

7. Accept Imperfection

Along with learning that your best is good enough and practicing applying that truth to your life, learn to accept imperfection. Appreciate how small flaws and unexpected turns make life unique. Accepting imperfection does not mean lowering your core standards—it simply means recognizing that minor hiccups happen. When things go off track, don't let it ruin your day. Take a deep breath, adjust, and continue giving it your best effort.

These 7 practical tips can make your daily life much happier, calmer, and less stressful once you put them into practice. Are you someone dealing with a type A personality? How have you learned how to become type A in your work while keeping peace in your personal life?