The fear of failure is the prime motivation for the perfectionist. They set unrealistically high standards for themselves and others. They also procrastinate, and are overly self-conscious. While many people may have the symptoms of perfectionism, some people have no idea how to recognize the signs. If you are one of these people, read on to learn how to recognize and deal with your perfectionism. You can become a perfectionist, too!
Perfectionists are driven by a fear of failure
The fear of failure is a major motivation for perfectionists. They tend to avoid challenges that they may fail at because they fear being judged. The fear of failure is so powerful that they may even reject opportunities that they would otherwise love to pursue. They may even believe that perfection is an essential component of being likeable. Ultimately, their fear of failure prevents them from achieving success. Here are some ways to counteract perfectionism.
One of the reasons that perfectionists are fearful of failure is because they feel like they will fail if they do not reach their goal. They have unrealistic expectations, which makes them feel ineffective and stupid. As a result, these people are unproductive, putting up a perfect front and feeling bad about their own performance. This phobia of failure can lead to depression and even mental illness.
They set unrealistically high standards for themselves and others
A perfectionist’s sense of self-worth is based on the standards he or she sets for himself or herself. Studies show that more than half of those who commit suicide were labeled “perfectionists” by family members and friends. Many of these young people also had excessive expectations of themselves, a fact that makes the epidemic of perfectionism seem particularly pronounced. In fact, almost 30 percent of undergraduate students report some degree of depression.
Because perfectionists set unrealistically high standards for themselves and for others, they find it difficult to reach those goals. They often put off difficult tasks until they can achieve the desired result. They also experience severe stress from comparing their accomplishments to others’. For example, they may avoid social situations altogether until they have perfected the task at hand. In addition, they may procrastinate excessively, taking long to complete a task until it meets their standards.
They procrastinate
Many people have the tendency to procrastinate, but what is the actual cause of their behavior? One answer to this question lies in the fact that the process of perfection is linked to all-or-nothing thinking. These individuals tend to put off completing a task until they feel they’re inspired or at the perfect time. In addition, they may beat themselves up when they procrastinate by leaving it until the last minute, unable to bear the thought of doing so.
People with high standards for themselves and others are known to be perfectionists. This attitude results in self-doubt and exhaustion. Those who suffer from perfectionistic tendencies often procrastinate, and miss deadlines or abandon goals entirely. The results of these behaviors are frustrating, not to mention unproductive. It’s no wonder that people who have this condition struggle with productivity and success.
They are overly self-conscious
In order to cope with this tendency, you need to realize that mistakes are a part of life and can teach you much more than flawless performance. Learn how to appreciate mistakes and overcome your fear of failure. Perfectionists often live by a strict set of rules. While this may help you feel better about yourself, it can lead to a self-defeating mindset. In order to deal with this, you need to learn to recognize and acknowledge your emotions.
A perfectionist measures their worth by constantly striving for the best. They measure their worth by their productivity and accomplishments and are often harsh critics of themselves. According to J. Stoeber and K. Otto, perfectionism has two dimensions: perfectionistic strivings and perfectionism concerns. The healthy perfectionists score high on strivings, while unhealthy perfectionists score high on concerns. The video below provides insight into the various types of perfectionism.
They obsess over details
A marketer must be a good data analyst with excellent communication skills, able to capture a broad audience and hit their targets on critical metrics. They must also be obsessive over details and inspire a team to deliver excellence. Such people must possess a keen attention to detail and enjoy a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment. They may be required to work on weekends, as well. However, their focus is on delivering excellent results for the company.
They avoid challenges
For most perfectionists, failure is an unacceptable outcome. They seek to achieve perfection at all costs, and therefore, avoid challenges that may be too difficult for them. While high personal standards can be beneficial, they also lead to enormous burnout and frustration. They often fail to acknowledge the good things in life and focus on the flaws instead of the good ones. This pattern prevents them from experiencing the rewards that come from success.
Perfectionists are often arrogant, and they continually seek the next big thing. While achieving their goal may feel good in the moment, perfectionists tend to see failure as a failure and dismiss it as a coincidence. This indecision can lead to health problems and even depression. If you think you might be suffering from perfectionism, here are some ways to spot the signs: