Perfectionism… What? Why? … EVERYTHING!!!
Perfectionism
If you’re reading this… I understand your struggle. And no. You’re not crazy or super-dramatic. But, we can learn to improve ourselves. Isn’t that what knowledge helps us do?? So, let’s just get into it!!
Perfectionism is a trait that makes life anything but perfect. It’s kind of like an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. When healthy, it can be self-motivating and drive you to overcome adversity and achieve success. But, most of us aren’t that healthy. When it’s unhealthy, it can be a fast and enduring track to unhappiness. Yeah. It’s THAT BAD!
What makes extreme perfectionism so toxic is that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure, resulting in a negative orientation. They don’t believe in unconditional love, expecting others’ affection and approval to be dependent on a flawless performance.
Perfectionism is driven primarily by internal pressures, such as the desire to avoid failure or harsh judgment. There is likely a social component as well, because perfectionistic tendencies have increased substantially among young people over the past 30 years, regardless of gender or culture. Greater academic and professional competition is thought to play a role, along with the pervasive presence of social media and the harmful social comparisons it elicits.
Different kinds of Perfectionism
Perfection manifests itself in three domains. Self-oriented perfectionism is imposing an unrealistic desire to be perfect on oneself. Other-oriented perfectionism means imposing unrealistic standards of perfection on others. Socially-prescribed perfectionism involves perceiving unrealistic expectations of perfection from others.
The Dangers of Being Perfectionistic
Perfection is an abstraction; an impossibility in reality. When taken TOO FAR the striving for perfection can lead to negative outcomes. Like what? Well, a tendency to avoid challenges, rigid all-or-nothing thinking, toxic comparisons, and a lack of creativity. Furthermore, it is frequently accompanied by depression, anxiety obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and even suicidal impulses.
Overcome Perfectionism?
Letting go of the comparison mindset helps A LOT!! They can do this by practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, using compassionate self-talk, and challenging negative self-judgments. The key is to realize that an endeavor can be worthwhile even if it’s not perfect.
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Currently, I am a student of Fatima Jinnah Women University. With a burning passion for psychology, words, and dreams, I decided to abandon medical studies for humanities. These days, when I’m not listening to ballads, watching movies, or sitting down with a good novel, I am rigorously studying Hangul (Korean language) to satisfy my obsession for BTS and K dramas. I’m a thinking introvert and INFJ personality. Therefore, I like ‘me time’. My articles typically resonate with psychological well-being advice.
