Having high standards is a good thing. Striving for excellence is a good thing. But taken to extremes, these can become perfectionism, which can paralyze us and prevent us from accomplishing the things that matter to us. The key is to find that balance that lets us enjoy the process and the results of our efforts.
Tip of the Week: Take advantage of online shopping to save time and energy.
Tool of the Week: The Organizing Store (online resource for accessories and tools to organize your space).
Perfectionism
- What is it?
- What impact does it have?
- How can we overcome it?
A few resources for more information:
“14 Signs Your Perfectionism Has Gotten Out of Control,” by Carolyn Gregoire, on The Huffington Post.
Perfectionism Test, Psychology Today online.
Psych Basics: Perfectionism, Psychology Today online.
“4 Difficulties of Being a Perfectionist,” by Jennifer Kromberg, PsyD, Psychology Today blog, November 7, 2013.
“Perfectionist Traits: Do These Sound Familiar? Are Too-High Expectations Wrecking Your Inner Peace?” by Elizabeth Scott, M.S., updated June 3, 2014.
Your turn: Has perfectionism (or simple fear of failure) ever made you miss out on an opportunity? Do you have a suggestion for how to blast past perfectionism and get things done? Please share your thoughts in the comments section under this post.
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Scott says
November 19, 2014 at 1:44 pmReally got a lot from listening today. Thank you.
Laura McClellan says
November 19, 2014 at 2:15 pmThank you for taking the time to let me know.
Anne Mateer says
August 24, 2014 at 11:03 amI really thought I’d handled my perfectionism–until I listened to your podcast! Now I realize that an area of my life where I’m struggling to move forward is being hampered by my fear of failure. I kind of knew that, but hadn’t tied it to perfectionist tendencies. Now I see it. And for me, it takes it to a spiritual issue at the root–I don’t trust God to “get it right” by my definition and so I have to make it perfect on my own.
Thanks for helping shed some light on my heart, Laura!
Laura says
August 24, 2014 at 12:06 pmWhat wise insight you bring to the discussion, Anne. Although I had seen the fear of failure in my perfectionist tendencies, I hadn’t thought of my own struggles in this area as not trusting God to “get it right” until I read your comment.
Thank you for being so open.
Laura
Kelly Anne Liberto says
August 21, 2014 at 10:36 amHi Laura~ This post really helped me as I always considered myself too perfectionistic and took the Psychology Today test. Apparently, I have a “healthy balance of perfectionism.” 🙂 Thanks for the great information.
As a self employed writer, your series has helped me to set new goals and set some personal boundaries for my time which I now see as valuable. You’ve also helped me to see the need to take more time for “me” so I can be a more “Productive Woman.”
Laura says
August 21, 2014 at 4:31 pmKelly – I am so glad you found this post and the goal-setting series helpful. It’s always my hope when I’m putting an episode together that it will be useful in a very practical way to the listeners.
What steps are you taking to make a little time for yourself as you mentioned?
Laura