5 Signs That You're a Perfectionist


Perfectionism is about avoiding feelings of shame and inadequacy. By being perfect, you have permission to not feel bad about yourself. However, you never quite feel good about yourself.

Perfectionists aren't trying to achieve something great. They're trying to avoid something negative.

A perfectionist can enjoy a few perks. Many people admire perfectionists. However, the disadvantages usually aren't worth it.

Being a perfectionist has several disadvantages:

1. You waste a lot of time. Some things don't require a high level of attention. To spend more time than necessary is a waste of an important resource: your time.

If success is important to you, allocating your time wisely is an important consideration.

2. It creates a lot of stress. When there's only one way to be successful at something, there's no room for error.

Perfectionists aren't happy people. There's a constant anxiety that can can't be completely satisfied.

3. You lose sight of the big picture. Bogging yourself down with trivial details can limit your awareness of the bigger objective.

4. You're never happy with your results. You might be satisfied, but you're never happy.

Being a perfectionist limits your efficiency and effectiveness. There are signs that many perfectionists share.

Signs to Be Aware Of

Decide if you're trying to be too perfect:

1. You take things too far. No matter what you do, you take it to the limit.

Everything has to be done as well as possible, whether it's folding the laundry, parking the car, or doing something more meaningful.

2. You long for your high school days. High school is perfect for perfectionists.

The competition isn't too great on the average, and your achievements are witnessed by all. Your work is also clearly judged quantitatively. You know exactly where you stand.

3. You're judgmental of others. Your standards of acceptability are so high that no one can consistently achieve them.

If you find yourself with less friends than you'd like, your commitment to be perfect might be the primary cause.

4. You're too hard on yourself. By the same token, you can't live up to your expectations either. This leads to feelings of disappointment and shame.

Are you more successful than most of the people you know, but less pleased with yourself than they are with themselves? Do you find it hard to be proud of yourself?

Do you feel happy and proud when you're successful, or do you merely feel a sense of relief?

5. You procrastinate excessively. The need to be perfect creates anxiety and makes it hard to get started.

You know you're in for a lot of work and self-induced drama. Under those circumstances, anyone would be hesitant to get started!

What Can You Do if You're a Perfectionist?

Try these techniques:

1. Determine how much time is reasonable for completing the task. Ask a successful friend how long she would spend, and limit yourself to that amount of time. You'll soon learn what's reasonable.

2. Stay focused on the most important activities. Perfectionists spend too much time on minor details. Ask yourself which activities will yield the most results for the time spent.

3. Learn to accept being less than perfect. Notice that no one else cares if something is less than perfect.

You don't need to beat everyone. Strive to attain a high level of quality with a reasonable amount of effort and time.

Perfectionists believe they're committed to excellence, but they're actually avoiding feelings of inadequacy.

If you're a perfectionist, ask yourself why. What do you gain? What does it cost you? Do you take pleasure from being perfect? How do you feel when you're less than perfect?

If you discover that you're a perfectionist, each day practice doing something well, but not perfect.

It may take a while, but soon enough, you'll be enjoying the benefits of excellence rather than the disadvantages of perfectionism.

Visit my online guide here for more help on how to manage stress

I have published a book that covers in detail all the things you can do to reduce and manage stress in your life.

If you are serious about wanting to learn how to manage stress you should definitely check it out.

This how to book has 170 pages of straight to the point steps for how to manage or reduce stress.

I'm proud of how information packed this book is, and I guarantee that you will get great results when you follow the steps in it, or you will get your money back

- and you get the book in three formats to read and print out in whatever mode you prefer to read and learn.

Instant download of .pdf and Kindle .mobi and ePub formats!

And you will also get some great surprise bonuses too!


buy how to manage stress book



Did you find this post about how to manage stress informative and useful? If so, please share it with others! If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!

Cheers, Helene

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Self Help.

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.