#1025 - Dr Paul Hewitt - Understanding the Psychology of Perfectionism
In this episode of Modern Wisdom, Dr. Paul Hewitt explores the complex nature of perfectionism and its origins in childhood experiences. He explains how perfectionists develop the belief that they must appear flawless to be worthy of acceptance, leading to a pattern of hiding perceived imperfections and maintaining a carefully curated image in relationships.
The discussion covers the significant impact of perfectionism on mental and physical health, including its connections to anxiety, depression, and suicide risk. Dr. Hewitt shares insights from his research and clinical practice, describing how perfectionism affects relationships and discussing treatment approaches, with a focus on addressing the deeper psychological needs that drive perfectionist behavior rather than simply teaching coping skills.
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1-Page Summary
The Nature and Core Experience of Perfectionism
Paul Hewitt and Chris Williamson explore perfectionism as a complex personality style rooted in feelings of inadequacy. According to Hewitt, perfectionists believe they must appear flawless to be accepted and worthy, leading them to constantly hide their perceived imperfections. This manifests in a harsh inner dialogue and an inability to celebrate achievements, as they quickly move on to the next challenge in their relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Developmental Origins and Psychological Underpinnings
Hewitt explains that perfectionism often stems from unmet emotional needs during childhood, particularly the need to feel worthy and accepted. He shares the story of a patient who, adopted as an infant, developed perfectionist tendencies from the fear of being "returned" if she showed any flaws. This exemplifies how early experiences can shape an individual's drive for perfection as a way to secure belonging and acceptance.
The Interpersonal and Behavioral Manifestations
Perfectionism significantly impacts relationships, as Hewitt and Williamson discuss. Perfectionists often maintain a carefully curated image, avoiding genuine expression of vulnerabilities. Some develop "other-oriented perfectionism," becoming controlling and critical of others who don't meet their high standards. This behavior, Hewitt notes, can lead to isolation as others sense their lack of authenticity and withdraw from the relationship.
Negative Psychological and Health Outcomes
Hewitt's research reveals concerning links between perfectionism and various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. He points out that socially prescribed perfectionism can predict suicide risk, even when controlling for other factors like depression. The constant stress and self-criticism associated with perfectionism can also lead to physical health problems and potentially shortened lifespans.
Strategies and Challenges For Overcoming Perfectionism
In addressing perfectionism, Hewitt advocates for psychodynamic therapy over skill-based interventions like CBT. He explains that this approach better addresses the deeper relational needs and proves more effective in maintaining long-term improvements. However, letting go of perfectionism presents a significant challenge, as it serves as a coping mechanism for underlying fears about self-worth and belonging.
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Counterarguments
- While psychodynamic therapy may address deeper relational needs, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other skill-based interventions have also been shown to be effective for some individuals in managing perfectionism by providing practical strategies to challenge and change perfectionistic thoughts and behaviors.
- The link between perfectionism and mental health issues is complex, and it is important to consider that not all individuals with perfectionistic tendencies will develop mental health problems. Some may channel their perfectionism into productive outcomes without significant psychological distress.
- The idea that perfectionism is solely rooted in childhood experiences and unmet emotional needs may be too narrow, as genetic predispositions and personality traits could also play a significant role in its development.
- The concept of "other-oriented perfectionism" leading to social isolation might be too simplistic, as some individuals may appreciate or even admire the high standards set by perfectionists, which could lead to stronger relationships in certain contexts.
- The assertion that perfectionism can lead to a shortened lifespan may require more nuanced research to establish a direct causal relationship, as many factors contribute to an individual's physical health and longevity.
- The notion that perfectionism is always a maladaptive coping mechanism might overlook the possibility that in some contexts, striving for perfection can be adaptive and lead to excellence and success.
- The emphasis on the negative outcomes of perfectionism may overshadow the potential benefits or positive aspects of having high standards, such as increased motivation, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
Actionables
- You can start a "flaws and all" journal to embrace imperfections by writing down daily instances where you let go of the need to be perfect and the positive outcomes that resulted. This practice encourages self-acceptance and reduces the fear of making mistakes. For example, if you resisted the urge to re-do a task you already completed adequately, note how this saved you time and reduced stress.
- Create a "celebration jar" where you drop a note of every achievement, no matter how small, to cultivate a habit of recognizing and celebrating your successes. At the end of each month, read through the notes to remind yourself of your progress and worth beyond perfection. For instance, if you completed a work project on time, write it down and acknowledge the effort it took rather than focusing on what could have been better.
- Engage in a weekly "authenticity hour" with friends or family where you share something genuine about yourself that you usually hide, fostering a safe space for vulnerability. This can help break the pattern of maintaining a curated image and encourage deeper connections. An example could be sharing a personal challenge you're facing at work, which can lead to supportive conversations and a sense of belonging.
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The Nature and Core Experience of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a challenging and deeply ingrained personality style that is characterized by feelings of inadequacy and flaws. Paul Hewitt and Chris Williamson discuss how those with perfectionistic tendencies navigate their lives and the costs of such a lifestyle.
Perfectionism: A Personality Style of Feeling Inadequate or Flawed
Perfectionistic individuals often feel as though they are fundamentally flawed or defective, leading them to believe they don't fit in the world. Hewitt highlights the increase in perfectionism over the decades, noting traits like self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism. This ingrained personality style is marked by a core feeling of not being enough. Such individuals believe they need to appear perfect to others to be accepted and feel worthy, leading them to hide their imperfections.
Perfectionists Believe Appearing Perfect Ensures Acceptance, Love, and Worthiness
Children who sense inadequacy may come to believe that appearing perfect or concealing their flaws will lead to acceptance and a sense of worth. This belief drives perfectionists not only to excel in tasks but also to avoid imperfection at any cost. They tie their self-worth and identity to performance and believe that achieving perfection would affirm their worth.
Perfectionism: Fear Of Revealing Imperfections and Critical Inner Dialogue
Perfectionists experience a paradox where their success brings neither satisfaction nor celebration, suggesting a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy. They are quick to move on to the next task, upping the demands on themselves. This reflects their belief that they must continuously strive for perfection to feel valued. They fear revealing any flaws and may avoid situations where they could be exposed, like public speaking. Hewitt notes that perfectionists long for connection and acceptance by trying to be perfect but often end up pushing people away by not being genuine.
As perfectionists contemplate abandoning the need to appear perfect, they face a terrifying void without that drive as their motivation. Hewitt describes the internal mind of a perfectionist as abusive, harsh, and critical. This harsh inner dialogue evaluates performance relentlessly and is filled w ...
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The Nature and Core Experience of Perfectionism
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Clarifications
- Self-oriented perfectionism involves setting extremely high standards for oneself and striving to meet them. Socially prescribed perfectionism is the perception that others expect one to be perfect and will judge harshly if one is not. The former is driven by internal demands, while the latter is driven by external pressures. Both can cause stress but stem from different sources of motivation.
- Perfectionism has increased due to societal pressures like social media, which highlight idealized images and achievements. Competitive educational and work environments also raise expectations for flawless performance. Cultural shifts emphasize individual success and external validation more than before. These factors collectively intensify feelings of inadequacy and the drive to appear perfect.
- Tying self-worth and identity to performance often stems from early experiences where approval and love were conditional on achievements. This creates a belief that personal value depends on success rather than inherent qualities. The brain reinforces this by linking positive feedback to accomplishments, making failure feel like personal rejection. Over time, this leads to a cycle where self-esteem fluctuates with performance outcomes.
- Perfectionists set unrealistically high standards, so achievements rarely meet their expectations. Their self-worth depends on flawless performance, making success feel insufficient. They quickly shift focus to new goals, preventing celebration or satisfaction. This cycle perpetuates feelings of inadequacy despite accomplishments.
- The "internal mind" refers to a person's inner voice or self-talk. In perfectionism, this voice often criticizes and judges harshly, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy. It acts like an internal critic that constantly monitors and evaluates one's actions. This critical self-talk can increase stress and reduce self-esteem.
- Perfectionists fear revealing imperfections because they associate flaws with rejection or loss of love. This fear triggers anxiety and avoidance behaviors, such as hiding mistakes or avoiding challenges. It also fuels a harsh inner critic that constantly judges their worth. Consequently, they may struggle with authentic relationships and emotional vulnerability.
- The "terrifying void" refers to the loss of purpose and identity when perfectionism is abandoned. Perfectionism often serves as a coping mechanism, providing structure and a sense of control. Without it, individuals may feel exposed, vulnerable, and uncertain about their self-worth. This emptiness can be frightening because it challenges their long-held beliefs about value and acceptance.
- Perfectionism often involves a fea ...
Actionables
- You can start a "flaw-sharing" circle with friends where each person shares something they're not proud of, to foster a sense of common humanity and reduce the stigma around imperfection. This could be a monthly gathering where everyone discusses a mistake they made and what they learned from it, helping to normalize the experience of imperfection and promote acceptance.
- Create a "perfectionist diary" where you record instances when you notice your perfectionist tendencies kicking in, and then actively write down a counter-argument to challenge the perfectionist thought. For example, if you catch yourself fearing a presentation won't be perfect, write down reasons why it's more important to share your ideas than to deliver them flawlessly.
- Develop a personal mantra ...
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The Developmental Origins and Psychological Underpinnings of Perfectionism
Understanding the roots of perfectionism lies in the recognition of unmet emotional needs during early development. Research and clinical perspectives suggest that perfectionism often sprouts from these formative experiences.
Perfectionism Often Arises From Unmet Emotional Needs in Childhood For Worth, Belonging, and Acceptance
Perfectionists commonly harbor deep-seated feelings of defectiveness or unacceptability, tracing back to early dealings with asynchrony or non-attunement. When basic human needs—to feel worthy, acceptable, or fit in—are not met, perfectionism can seed and grow.
Perfectionists Feel Defective or Unacceptable and Believe They Must Be Perfect to Be Loved and Valued
An individual's unwavering quest for perfection frequently originates from a flawed self-concept and the fundamental desire to repair feelings of unworthiness. These individuals might feel inherently flawed and believe they must achieve perfection to be worthy of love and value. Therapist Paul Hewitt references the story of a patient who learned as a young girl, adopted at infancy, that she had to appear perfect to avoid being 'returned' to an orphanage, revealing how these profound fears can shape an individual's self-perception and behavioral patterns.
Perfectionism is intricately tied to the existential fear of not fitting in or belonging, which is often connected to issues of worth and acceptance. For people with perfectionistic tendencies, the drive to become perfect can be an attempt to fix an internal sense of deficiency and t ...
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The Developmental Origins and Psychological Underpinnings of Perfectionism
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Clarifications
- Asynchrony refers to a mismatch in timing or emotional responses between a child and caregiver during interactions. Non-attunement means a lack of emotional connection or understanding from the caregiver toward the child's feelings. Both can disrupt a child's sense of security and self-worth. These early relational difficulties may contribute to developing perfectionism as a coping mechanism.
- "Unmet emotional needs" in early development refer to essential feelings like safety, love, and acceptance that a child requires to grow emotionally healthy. When caregivers fail to consistently provide these, the child may feel insecure or unworthy. This lack can disrupt the formation of a stable self-image and emotional regulation. Over time, these gaps can lead to coping mechanisms like perfectionism to compensate for perceived deficiencies.
- A "flawed self-concept" means having a negative or inaccurate view of oneself. It involves seeing oneself as inadequate, unworthy, or defective. This distorted self-view affects emotions and behaviors, often leading to attempts to compensate or hide perceived flaws. It is shaped by early experiences and influences how a person relates to themselves and others.
- Healthy striving involves setting realistic goals and pursuing growth with self-compassion, accepting mistakes as part of learning. Perfectionism, in contrast, is driven by fear of failure and a need to prove worth, often leading to excessive self-criticism and anxiety. While healthy striving motivates positive development, perfectionism can cause distress and hinder well-being. The key difference lies in motivation and emotional impact.
- Paul Hewitt is a clinical psychologist known for his research on perfectionism and its psychological effects. He developed influential theories and therapeutic approaches addressing how perfectionism relates to self-worth and emotional health. His work often explores how early experiences shape perfectionistic behaviors. The patient story illustrates these concepts in a real-life context, highlighting the emotional roots of perfectionism.
- The "existential fear of not fitting in or belonging" refers to a deep, fundamental anxiety about being isolated or rejected by others. It stems from the human need to connect and be accepted as part of a group or community. This fear can drive people to change themselves or strive for perfection to avoid feeling alone or excluded. It is called "existential" because it relates to basic questions about one's place and value in the world.
- Therapeutic approaches to perfectionism often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps i ...
Actionables
- Create a "good enough" journal where you document daily activities or tasks you've completed without striving for perfection, noting how it felt to accept them as they are. This practice helps you become more comfortable with imperfection by recognizing that your worth isn't tied to flawless execution. For example, if you cooked a meal that didn't turn out exactly as planned, write it down, describe the experience, and reflect on the enjoyment of the process rather than the outcome.
- Develop a self-compassion mantra that you can repeat during moments of self-criticism or when the urge to perfect something arises. This mantra should reinforce your intrinsic value independent of achievements. An example could be, "I am valued for who I am, not for what I do perfectly." Use this mantra consistently, especially when you catch yourself in a cycle of perfectionism, to help rewire your thought patterns towards self-acceptance.
- Engage in a new hobby or skill where you have no expertise, with the intention of enjoying ...
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The Interpersonal and Behavioral Manifestations of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is not simply about setting high standards; it carries emotional and relational consequences which are often overlooked. Paul Hewitt and Chris Williamson explore the complex manifestations of this trait.
Perfectionists Hide Flaws to Appear Flawless
For some perfectionists, life is about maintaining an image of flawlessness to foster acceptance and avoid rejection, despite feeling inadequate. Hewitt suggests perfectionists may not celebrate their achievements to preserve an image of being perfect. Instead of sharing their successes or satisfactions, they might focus on what’s still flawed, fueling the sense of inadequacy. They are likely to hide imperfections in relationships, never discussing events that didn't go well or revealing any perceived flaws.
Perfectionists May Become Controlling and Critical in Relationships
Perfectionism can lead individuals to curate an image, avoiding the genuine expression of self. Hewitt discusses this sense of inauthenticity which, in turn, may cause others to withdraw, sensing a lack of genuineness. Intimacy, which typically grows through revealing one's vulnerabilities, becomes problematic for perfectionists who shy away from showing any shortcomings.
Perfectionists' Drive For Perfection Can Harm Relationships
Other-oriented perfectionism signifies the need for those around perfectionists to meet their high standards. This attitude can lead to a controlling and critical approach toward others. Hewitt notes that this can cause distress not for the perfectionist but for the people in their lives. When others fall short, the criticism the perfectionist usually directs towards themselves turns outward, resembling narcissistic rage.
Hewitt asserts that in their qu ...
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The Interpersonal and Behavioral Manifestations of Perfectionism
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Clarifications
- Other-oriented perfectionism involves imposing high standards and expectations on other people. In contrast, self-oriented perfectionism is when individuals set high standards for themselves. Other-oriented perfectionists often criticize others for not meeting these standards. This can strain relationships, as others may feel judged or controlled.
- Narcissistic rage refers to an intense, often disproportionate anger triggered when a person's self-image or ego feels threatened. In perfectionism, this rage occurs when others fail to meet the perfectionist's high standards, causing feelings of humiliation or rejection. It is a defensive reaction to protect their fragile sense of self-worth. This rage can be harsh and directed outward, damaging relationships.
- Perfectionists avoid celebrating achievements because acknowledging success might expose imperfections or create pressure to maintain or exceed that level. They fear that celebrating could lead to complacency or reveal vulnerability, which conflicts with their need to appear flawless. This behavior stems from deep-seated insecurity and fear of judgment. Thus, downplaying achievements helps them control how others perceive them.
- Perfectionism leads to inauthenticity because individuals suppress their true feelings and flaws to maintain an idealized image. This concealment prevents genuine emotional sharing, which is essential for building trust and closeness. Others sense this lack of openness and may feel disconnected or mistrustful. As a result, they withdraw to protect themselves from the emotional distance and perceived insincerity.
- Perfectionists often hide imperfections due to deep-seated fears of rejection and judgment, stemming from low self-esteem. This avoidance of vulnerability acts as a protective mechanism to prevent emotional pain and maintain social acceptance. They equate showing flaws with weakness, which threatens their self-worth and perceived control. Consequently, vulnerability feels risky, so they suppress it to preserve their idealized self-image.
- Perfectionism often stems from deep insecurity and fear of rejection. In romantic relationships, this can translate into a fear of abandonment because the perfectionist believes any flaw might cause their partner to leave. They try to appear flawless to ...
Actionables
- You can start a "flaw-sharing" circle with close friends where each person shares a small imperfection or mistake they've made recently. This practice encourages vulnerability and helps break down the facade of perfectionism by normalizing the discussion of flaws and failures in a safe environment.
- Create a "celebration jar" where you write down achievements or positive moments on slips of paper and deposit them into the jar. Make it a weekly ritual to pull out and read a few to remind yourself of your successes and to practice giving yourself credit for accomplishments, big or small.
- Develop a "criticism pause" habit by taking ...
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Negative Psychological and Health Outcomes of Perfectionism
Paul Hewitt's research and observations suggest that perfectionism is not just a quirk or a drive to achieve excellence but a psychological trait linked to a range of serious mental health and physical problems, including suicidality.
Perfectionism Linked To Mental Health Issues Like Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, and Suicidal Thoughts
Perfectionists' Self-Criticism and Failure Intolerance Can Have Devastating Psychological Consequences
Hewitt describes a patient who was highly perfectionistic and suicidal, providing an extreme example of where perfectionism can lead. Concerningly, perfectionism is connected to serious psychiatric and psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Hewitt indicates that socially prescribed perfectionism predicts suicide, even when controlling for historically predictive factors such as depression and hopelessness. This is evident in the story of a musician who attempted suicide and was struggling with mental health issues commonly associated with perfectionism.
Paul Hewitt also notes that very famous people known for their perfectionistic traits often have personal lives or relationships that are significantly troubled, suggesting the negative psychological outcomes are linked to their perfectionistic tendencies. Hewitt raises the possibility of a connection between the rise in perfectionism and the increasing rates of depression and anxiety, as perfectionism can be a vulnerability factor for these issues.
The relentless self-criticism and fear of failure experienced by perfectionists, suggested by the anecdote of a patient who viewed achieving the highest score as a failure, can have damaging psychological consequences. Perfectionists may view the nee ...
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Negative Psychological and Health Outcomes of Perfectionism
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Socially prescribed perfectionism is when individuals feel that others expect them to be perfect. It differs from self-oriented perfectionism, where the person sets high standards for themselves. Another type is other-oriented perfectionism, where one imposes perfectionistic standards on others. Socially prescribed perfectionism often leads to feelings of pressure and fear of judgment from others.
- Perfectionism predicts suicide risk independently because it involves intense self-criticism and a harsh fear of failure that can cause extreme emotional pain. This pain can lead to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness beyond typical depression symptoms. Perfectionists may also experience social isolation, reducing support that could prevent suicidal thoughts. Their rigid standards make coping with setbacks especially difficult, increasing suicide risk even without clinical depression.
- Perfectionists often hold a fixed mindset, believing abilities are innate and unchangeable. They interpret needing effort as evidence they lack natural talent. This belief makes effort feel like failure rather than progress. Consequently, they avoid challenges that require effort to protect their self-worth.
- Perfectionism can drive individuals to set unrealistically high standards for their body image and eating habits. This intense pressure often leads to unhealthy behaviors like restrictive dieting or binge eating. The fear of not meeting these standards can cause severe anxiety and loss of control around food. Over time, these patterns can develop into clinical eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
- Perfectionists often set unrealistically high standards for themselves and others, leading to frustration and disappointment in relationships. Their fear of making mistakes can cause them to avoid social interactions to prevent judgment or failure. This withdrawal reduces social support and increases feelings of loneliness. Over time, the lack of meaningful connections deepens their isolation.
- Perfectionism can cause chronic stress, which negatively affects the immune system and cardiovascular health. High stress levels increase inflammation and risk of diseases like hypertension and heart attacks. Social isolation linked to perfectionism also reduces emotional support, worsening health outcomes. Over time, these factors can contribute to earlier mortality.
- The anecdote illustrates how perfectionists set unrealistically high standards, where even excellent results feel inadequate. This mindset causes constant dissatisfaction and self-criticism, regardless of actual achievement. It reflects a cognitive distortion called "all-or-nothing thinking," common in perfectionism. Such thinking increases stress and undermines mental health by making success feel like failure.
- Self-criticism in perfectionism means harshly judging oneself for any p ...
Counterarguments
- While perfectionism is associated with various mental health issues, it is not inherently pathological and can have positive aspects, such as driving individuals to achieve high levels of success and personal satisfaction in certain domains.
- The link between perfectionism and mental health problems is complex and may be influenced by other factors such as personality, environment, and genetic predispositions; perfectionism alone may not be the cause.
- The concept of socially prescribed perfectionism predicting suicide independently of depression and hopelessness could be challenged by research showing that these factors are often deeply intertwined and cannot be easily separated in their influence on suicidality.
- The assertion that perfectionism is on the rise and contributing to increased rates of depression and anxiety could be countered by considering other societal and environmental factors that may also play significant roles in these trends.
- The idea that needing to exert effort is viewed negatively by perfectionists could be nuanced by considering that not all perfectionists view effort as indicative of a lack of ability; some may see it as a necessary and rewarding part of the process toward achieving excellence.
- The connection between perfectionism and early death could be questioned due to the multifactorial nature of health outcomes, where numerous other variables could contribute to early mortality.
- The relationship between high-profile ...
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Strategies and Challenges For Overcoming Perfectionism
Even though the podcast did not explicitly address strategies for overcoming perfectionism, the conversation with Hewitt did suggest that the issue is complex, dealing with deep-seated issues of self-worth, belonging, and emotional needs that are essential to address.
Overcoming Perfectionism Involves Addressing Self-Worth, Belonging, and Emotional Needs
The hosts discuss that overcoming perfectionism isn't a matter of reducing it from one level to another but rather addressing the underlying sense of worth, connectedness, and emotional needs that drive the perfectionist behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy Emphasizing Self-Acceptance and Healthy Relationships Is More Effective Than Skill-Based Interventions
Hewitt talks about using psychodynamic therapy instead of skill-based interventions like CBT for treating perfectionism. He criticizes CBT's high dropout rates and lack of long-term effectiveness, particularly for socially prescribed perfectionism, which is associated with serious outcomes. In contrast, psychodynamic approaches address deeper relational needs and result in changes that are maintained or even improved post-treatment. This therapy aims to help individuals accept that both themselves and others are flawed and to find a place in the world that resonates with a healthier sense of self and relationship.
Letting Go Of Perfectionism Is Difficult, as It’s a Coping Mechanism, and Perfectionists Fear Imperfection
The conversation acknowledges that success doesn't satisfy the emotional needs behind perfectionism and may ...
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Strategies and Challenges For Overcoming Perfectionism
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While psychodynamic therapy may be effective for some, it's not universally applicable; some individuals may respond better to skill-based interventions like CBT, depending on their personal preferences, specific issues, and learning styles.
- The effectiveness of any therapeutic approach, including psychodynamic therapy, can vary greatly among individuals, and what works for one person may not work for another.
- The criticism of CBT's high dropout rates and lack of long-term effectiveness may not take into account recent advancements or variations in CBT that address these issues.
- The idea that success does not satisfy emotional needs and may reinforce perfectionist patterns could be too general; for some, achieving goals can lead to genuine satisfaction and a reduction in perfectionist tendencies.
- The notion that perfectionists view admitting imperfection as failure might not encompass the full range of attitudes and beliefs held by individuals with perfectionist tendencies; some may be more open to acknowledging and working on their imperfections.
- The emphasis on therapy for overcoming perfectionism might overlook the potential benefits of self-help strategies, peer support, or other non-therapeutic approaches that can also be effective.
- The text suggests that perfectionism is primarily negative ...
Actionables
- Start a "flaws and all" journal where you document daily instances where imperfection was present but life continued positively. This practice can help you recognize that imperfection doesn't lead to the catastrophic outcomes often feared and can reinforce the idea that your worth isn't tied to flawless performance. For example, write about a work presentation that had a couple of stumbles, yet received positive feedback, or a meal that wasn't cooked perfectly but enjoyed by your family.
- Create a "self-worth tree" with branches representing different aspects of your life that contribute to your sense of self-worth beyond achievements. This visual tool can help diversify your sources of self-esteem and reduce the emphasis on perfectionism. For instance, one branch could be 'relationships', with leaves noting supportive friends; another could be 'hobbies', with leaves for activities you enjoy regardless of skill level.
- Engage in a weekly "imperfection practice" where ...
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1-Page Summary- The Nature and Core Experience of Perfectionism
- The Developmental Origins and Psychological Underpinnings of Perfectionism
- The Interpersonal and Behavioral Manifestations of Perfectionism
- Negative Psychological and Health Outcomes of Perfectionism
- Strategies and Challenges For Overcoming Perfectionism
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