Perfectionism is not about striving for excellence but striving for the impossible, unattainable, and ultimately, unachievable. psychology of society watch app all day and play video games and lack of exercises

 Perfectionism is not about striving for excellence but striving for the impossible, unattainable, and ultimately, unachievable.

Perfectionism increases the risk of health issues including eating disorders, anxiety disorders, pathological worry, and premature death.

Signs of perfectionism include negative self-talk, comparing oneself to others, and spending excessive time trying to achieve personal goals.

Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

Source: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

It's not uncommon to hear people pridefully claim that they're perfectionists. "I can't help it; I'm a perfectionist!" It is no surprise that we all get pleasure out of doing things well. It makes us feel unique or "special." But when is being "too good" a bad thing?

Perfectionism is not about striving for excellence but striving for the impossible, unattainable, and ultimately, the unachievable. The truth is perfectionists play a losing game. The generally accepted definition of perfectionism is a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable. However, the author of The Gift of Imperfection, Brene Brown, defines the trait best: "Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It's a shield. It's a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from flight."

Bravo Brene and take that, Merriam-Webster. I would add that not only does it prevent us from "taking flight," but it shackles us to a laundry list of other mental health issues and disorders as we constantly pursue the phantom that is perfection.

Perfectionism and Mental Health

The chronic disappointment that results from perfectionism is exhausting, but it also puts us at risk for a myriad of other mental and physical health issues. Perfectionism has been found to increase risk for, and contribute to, the maintenance of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression, poor physical health, premature death, pathological worry, and generalized anxiety disorder, and sadly, even suicidal ideation. Pioneers of perfectionism research even state that perfectionism can cause physical consequences such as fatigue, muscle tension, insomnia, and a tight chest.

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Many people are under the misconception that if they are not perfectionists in all areas of their lives, they are not struggling with perfectionism. To the contrary, perfectionism can pop up in one area of your life and still cause enough distress to derail your mental well-being.

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