PERFECTIONISM
Are you a perfectionist?
When a perfectionist falls short, makes a mistake, or experiences criticism from others, a task is viewed as a total failure. Even if a task is completed well (that is, according to rigid, inflexible standards), celebratory responses are replaced with thoughts about doing better the next time around. Some of the most common places where perfectionism occurs is work, school, sports, appearance, and relationships.
Signs of perfectionism include:
- Accepting nothing less than perfect from self or others (for example, thinking: “I’m not stopping until it’s done right”)
- Routine procrastination and difficulty relaxing
- Being overly organized and systematic (for example, obsessing about rules and lists)
- Promoting a perfect image of yourself to others
- Not sharing work that has imperfections or mistakes with others
- Experiencing distress or feelings of failure in reaction to mistakes/imperfection
Is your perfectionism helpful or hurtful?
Helpful, or adaptive, perfectionism involves having high standards and not being excessively harsh or critical with yourself (or others) while working on a task. Whereas harmful, or maladaptive, perfectionism involves having the same high standards with excessive negative harshness or criticism.
Maladaptive perfectionism is related to negative outcomes such as:
It’s time to take the power back from perfectionism.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
