Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a pattern of behaviour and thinking where you set excessively high standards for yourself and feel compelled to meet those standards, often believing that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. While striving for excellence and setting goals can be motivating, perfectionism can become problematic when it leads to stress, self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy. Perfectionism isn't just about having high standards—it's about how you respond when things don't go exactly as planned or when you make a mistake. Perfectionism is often seen as a quality that drives individuals to achieve excellence, but for many, it can become an overwhelming force that disrupts their lives.
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What Are the Signs of Perfectionism?
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Excessively high expectations: You may set goals that are so demanding they are difficult, if not impossible, to achieve, which often leads to frustration and burnout.
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Fear of making mistakes: You may avoid trying new things or taking risks because you are afraid of making mistakes or being judged.
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Overthinking and overworking: You may spend excessive time and energy on tasks to make sure every detail is perfect, often leading to burnout or feeling like you’ve never done enough.
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Self-criticism: When you don’t meet your own high standards, you may feel intense disappointment, guilt, or shame, often criticizing yourself harshly.
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Procrastination: Sometimes, the fear of not being able to do something perfectly can make you delay starting or completing a task, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
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Difficulty accepting feedback: You may find it hard to accept constructive criticism because it feels like an attack on your worth or abilities.
How Can Perfectionism Affect Your Life?
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Mental Health: Perfectionism is strongly associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The constant pressure to meet impossible standards can lead to burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
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Relationships: Perfectionism can put a strain on your relationships. The need for perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations of your partner, friends, or colleagues, and may create feelings of disappointment or resentment when they don’t meet those expectations. It may also prevent you from feeling satisfied with your connections because nothing ever feels "good enough."
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Work Performance: At work or school, perfectionism might make you overly focused on details, causing you to miss deadlines or become paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. While you may produce high-quality work, you may not feel proud of your accomplishments or enjoy the process.
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Lack of Enjoyment: If you’re always striving for perfection, you may miss out on enjoying the process of learning or working, because you're focused on the outcome. You might also struggle to celebrate your successes because you believe they should have been even better.
If perfectionism is negatively impacting your mental health, relationships, or daily functioning, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can work with you to explore the underlying causes of your perfectionism, help you challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
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*Disclaimer: This webpage is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.*