Perfectionism is the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others.

Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, perfectionists often excel at school and in the workplace. 

However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, perfectionists can be overly critical, taking an all-or-nothing mindset and failing to accept anything that does not meet their standards, no matter how much time and effort went into the work.  

Perfectionists also tend to base their own self-worth on their performance abilities, which can be damaging if they do not deliver perfect results.

In fact, studies have shown that perfectionists often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and are more likely to become burned out. 

Tips for Embracing Imperfection 

Perfectionism can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible to do so. Here are some tips for how to manage perfectionist tendencies: 

• Set more realistic goals.
• Be kind towards yourself if you make a mistake.  
• Try to think of mistakes as an opportunity for growth and personal development. 
• Recognize when you begin to think like a perfectionist and then challenge those thoughts. 
• If you find perfect-looking social media posts unsettling, keep in mind they are often curated. Alternatively, taking a break from social media might be beneficial. 

For More Information 

Do you suspect that you might be a perfectionist? If so, I invite you to schedule an appointment with me. I can supply you with personalized advice that will help you embrace imperfection and improve your quality of life. Contact me today to get started.