Perfectionists focus on the result more than the process, taking too long and procrastinating until it’s perfect. They don’t consider a task finished until it meets their exacting standards. They may even avoid starting it altogether until it’s perfect. Here are some ways to deal with a perfectionist’s nagging need for perfection. Read on to learn how to overcome your own perfectionism and become more productive.
Idealistic perfectionism
While most people have a sense of idealistic perfectionism, some may be more extreme than others. Some may be obsessed with perfection, but this kind of idealism isn’t helpful for everyone. Ultimately, it may cause serious harm to the human psyche. Some people struggle with their moral identity. These people are typically found among Diplomats, but may also appear in some ways among Analysts. Some individuals may exhibit a blend of perfectionism and Analyst personalities.
As the name suggests, idealistic perfectionism is the dislike of imperfection. It is also a philosophical mindset that suggests that only the mind can directly know what is ideal, and that we can’t know what is ideal without some sort of mental picture. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are completely unable to have idealistic perfectionism. That’s a dangerous misconception. If you’re an idealistic perfectionist, you’ll want to avoid the following problems.
Other-oriented perfectionism
If you are dating an other-oriented perfectionist, you may be wondering what to do. You may find that they are overly controlling, unruly, and often frustrated when others fail to meet their high standards. They might also feel socially isolated. However, if you can learn to deal with their perfectionism, your relationship will blossom and your new found love life will be full of joy. Read on to learn how to overcome this personality trait and enjoy your new love life!
An interesting study from Frontiers in Psychology found a direct correlation between socially prescribed perfectionism and serious psychological conditions. It also found that the traits of other-oriented perfectionists were closely associated with feelings of dissatisfaction and trust. The researchers concluded that the behavior was caused by a person’s lack of confidence, which ultimately hinders their ability to form nurturing bonds and develop intimacy. While the traits of other-oriented perfectionists may seem admirable, these traits are often indicative of deeper underlying issues.
Self-sabotaging perfectionism
The perfectionist is a self-saboteur. They are constantly in a hurry to get things done. Nothing gets done perfectly, and they’re constantly pushing for perfection. The result is a never-ending cycle of self-destructive behavior. Here are some of the most common signs of this behavior:
The first sign of self-sabotage is feeling bad about something. The perfectionist may feel like they let people down and feel embarrassed by the outcome. When things don’t go as planned, the perfectionist may feel shame and turn to substance abuse or self-injury. To overcome self-sabotage, seek help from a therapist or counselor. You should not have to suffer in silence. Self-sabotage can be a natural human reaction to stress.
Identifying signs of self-sabotage is essential in helping you overcome this difficult behavior. Often, the first sign of self-sabotage is procrastination. By acting on your desires and taking action, you can gain momentum towards your goal and improve your self-esteem. You may even want to talk to a coach or mentor to help you stay motivated and inspired as you make small changes. Although perfectionists dislike incremental progress, the more steps you make, the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
Self-compassion for perfectionists
It may not be surprising to learn that perfectionism and self-compassion are linked. A recent study found that perfectionism moderates the link between depression and self-compassion, but that this relationship does not necessarily depend on self-compassion. According to Chen, externalized self-perception (externalized self) is an important subcomponent of self-silencing. Those with high externalized self-perceptions are more likely to suffer from depression.
The practice of self-compassion involves changing the way you talk to yourself. Rather than being critical of yourself, think of yourself as an equal with the other. The ability to be kind to yourself is the key to breaking the vicious cycle of perfectionism. Self-compassion can free you from the burden of perfectionism by letting go of pre-stated expectations. Instead of judging your self-worth based on appearance or behavior, instead focus on what you really value.
Those with low levels of self-compassion may be more prone to developing maladaptive perfectionism. These individuals may become depressed, isolated, or suffer from other negative symptoms of perfectionism. They may even develop chemical and process addictions. Additionally, they may experience life paralysis due to fear of failure. However, a recent study in Australia found that practicing self-compassion reduced the prevalence of depression and perfectionism.