Why Perfectionism Isn’t Perfect

Perfectionism is on the rise and this isn’t necessarily a good thing. Merriam-Webster defines perfectionism as, “a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable”. This often leads to people holding themselves to unattainable standards.

One reason it is important to be aware of the potential problems perfectionism may cause, is that it is appearing at younger and younger ages. Researchers Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill, compared rates of perfectionism across generations, and found that, “the average college student last year [2017] was much more likely to have perfectionistic tendencies than a student in the 1990s or early 2000s.”

Often young adults are not aware of the problems that perfectionism can cause. It often feels good to be praised for achievements, leading many students to strive for that feeling. However, perfectionism can cause burn-out, health issues and even strain relationships.

Depression, social anxiety disorder and eating disorders are among the health issues that have been linked to excessive perfectionism. Becoming less of a perfectionist is important because it will have tangible benefits for mental and physical health.

It’s important to note that in moderation, perfectionistic qualities can be beneficial. Working hard to complete a task well is still valuable and important. The problem arises when someone consistently holds themself to an expectation of perfection. Things rarely go perfectly in life, and sometimes achieving perfection is impossible.

Perfectionism may feel like a tough habit to break but by setting realistic goals and creating a balance, physical and mental health issues will improve, along with experiencing more joy and relaxation in life.

Check out Episode One of the Soulshine Podcast below, for more strategies on how to remain a high-achiever while letting go of the need for perfection.