Perfectionism

HOW TO OVERCOME PERFECTIONISM

Most people would consider having high standards a good thing. Striving for excellence

can show that you have a good work ethic and strength of character. High standards

can also push you to reach your peak level of performance. For example, athletes often

train long and hard to reach excellence in their sports.

Perfectionism, on the other hand, involves a tendency to set standards that are so high

that they either cannot be met, or are only met with great difficulty. Perfectionists tend to

believe that anything short of perfection is horrible, and that even minor imperfections

will lead to catastrophe.

For example, most people believe it is important to try to do one’s best and not make

mistakes. However, most people also believe that making mistakes from time to time is

inevitable and that making a mistake does not mean they have failed something entirely.

However, adults with perfectionism tend to believe that they should never make

mistakes and that making a mistake means they are a failure or a horrible person for

disappointing others. Thinking like this makes it really scary for them to make mistakes.

Trying to be perfect is also likely to make you feel stressed and maybe even

disappointed with yourself much of time because you are not able to meet your

standards easily or at all. Over time, you may even start to believe that you are not as

capable as others. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider loosening up your standards a

bit to ease the stress and anxiety you may feel from trying so hard to be perfect.

Here are the Steps to Help You Overcome Perfectionism

Step 1: Learning to Recognize Perfectionism

This is an important first step, as it helps you to figure out whether you have a problem

with perfectionism. Remember, there is nothing wrong with having high standards, but

when these standards are too high, they can really get in the way of your work/school,

relationships, and enjoyment of life.

If you have trouble figuring...