Perfectionism Explained
We live in a society that values success over almost everything. While striving for your best is natural, it does come at a cost. Many of us face intense pressure to be seen as highly successful, whether it comes to our careers, family, or personal achievements. The cost of this is that it is driving perfectionism and anxiety levels to an all-time high.
Many people believe that perfectionism only means trying to make everything flawless. Or that a perfectionist, at the end of the day, is only focused on trying to be the best version of themselves. While both are true, there is far more to perfectionism than those things. Let's explain what perfectionism is.
Perfectionism Explained
First, we will say that perfectionism is not a diagnosable mental health condition. It's a personality trait often caused by anxiety. Anxiety, in moderation, can be a helpful motivator. It can help us prepare for that big interview, test, or upcoming week's presentation. In these instances, we are driven by our desire to improve some area of our lives or to feel overall successful.
Perfectionism is these desires, but they intensify tremendously. They become so intense that the desire to have everything perfect overshadows everything else. The striving for perfection is real; however, perfection is just a construct. Very few things in life, in all reality, are ever truly "perfect."
Signs of Perfectionism
Overly Critical
People who are perfectionists are often overly critical of themselves. They will beat themselves up over the smallest of mistakes or errors. Instead of seeing mistakes as a way to learn and grow, it is seen as a fatal flaw. This, in turn, only causes them to push themselves even harder.
People Pleasing
Most people who have perfectionist tendencies are also people-pleasers. They have a hard time setting boundaries or telling others "no." This is especially true when it comes to their careers or jobs. They are driven by their innate desire to succeed and be seen as successful by others. Additionally, they don't want to let other people down, no matter the cost.
Less Focus On The Journey
Perfectionists are so focused on the end result that they forget about the journey that gets them there. Of course, they see the actionable steps they need to take to achieve the desired end result. However, when they make mistakes or don't achieve that end result, they don't see that journey as one of growth. Instead, they may often berate themselves and criticize themselves immensely, thinking about every little thing they could have done differently.
Impossible Standards
A classic sign that someone is a perfectionist is that they often have impossible standards. The expectations that they have for themselves and even other people are sometimes unachievable. They will leave no room for imperfections and only expect the best. This can sometimes strain their relationships with other people, whether a partner, friend, child, or coworker.
The Mental Health Risk of Perfectionism
Perfectionism poses great risks to someone's mental health. There is a direct link between anxiety and perfectionism. They fuel one another, almost egging each other on. When mistakes are made, anxiety levels skyrocket. When anxiety levels skyrocket, it only causes perfectionism to rear its ugly head even more.
How To Cope With Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a learned behavior in many ways. The great thing about the brain is that it is neuroplastic, meaning it can change. While it is challenging to deal with perfectionism, it can be overcome, so its impact is lessened.
One of the most important steps to overcoming perfectionism is to get to the root cause of why it has taken place. Anxiety treatment can help you not only find the "why" but will give you the tools you need to overcome it. Reach out to learn more about how we can help you.