Perfectionism is often defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect, or even to believe that it’s possible to achieve perfection. According to Brene Brown, perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfection is not about healthy achievement and growth.” She explains that perfectionism is used by many people as a shield to protect against the pain of blame, judgment, or shame.
Perfectionists strive to go beyond the necessary standard of achievement, and this can lead to , for example, disappointment when they don’t achieve that standard, burn out due to the extra effort they put in, extremes of criticism directed at themselves and at others and problematic relationships.
Do you think you are a perfectionist? Try this assessment and find out.