Perfectionism

Recent research has shown that there are three degrees of adaptiveness for perfectionism: adaptive, maladaptive and non-perfectionism. Adaptive perfectionists strive be perfect but are open to the possibility of error and failure; they know and accept the fact that they’re not always going to be perfect.Maladaptive ones are obsessed with perfection; in their eyes, error and failure are entirely unacceptable. Non-perfectionists don’t set high standards for themselves nor do they expect perfection from others. Clearly, there can be a “good” side to perfectionism, it has the ability to encourage us to be the best we can be. It’s only when it becomes an obsession, as in the case of the maladaptive perfectionists, that the problems start.

However, the key word here is “obsession”. It is important to remember that striving for excellence is a healthy approach to challenges. In moderation, it can lead to a fulfilling professional and personal life. It is when we expect constant perfection and leave no room for human error that we risk scarring ourselves as well as other people emotionally.