Perfectionist Personality: 10 Signs of Perfectionism

Signs of a Perfectionist

Before we dive right into the 10 signs of perfectionism, let’s take a quick little quiz that will help you identify the traits of a perfectionist and see if you have a perfectionist personality yourself.

Table of Contents:

Quiz: Are You a Perfectionist?

Perfectionism Quiz

Answer the following questions honestly to gain insight into whether perfectionism plays a significant role in your personality. Choose the response that best reflects your thoughts and behaviors.

1. When I complete a task or project, I tend to:

  • A. Feel satisfied if it meets my high standards.
  • B. Focus on what could have been done better, even if it’s successful.

2. Mistakes and failures make me feel:

  • A. Uncomfortable, but I can move on quickly.
  • B. Overly distressed and critical of myself.

3. I often set goals for myself that are:

  • A. Challenging but realistic.
  • B. Unpractically ambitious and hard to reach.

4. In group projects or collaborations, I find it difficult to:

  • A. Trust others to handle tasks without my input.
  • B. Accept that others may have different ways of doing things.

5. When facing a new challenge, my initial reaction is to:

  • A. Feel excited and ready to learn.
  • B. Worry about not doing it perfectly from the start.

6. How do you feel about delegating tasks to others?

  • A. Comfortable; I trust others to contribute.
  • B. Uncomfortable; I prefer to do things myself to ensure they are done perfectly.

7. How do you react when you receive constructive criticism?

  • A. Open-minded approach. I see it as an opportunity to improve.
  • B. Defensive approach. I take it personally and feel discouraged.

8. When you don’t achieve your goals, you:

  • A. Reflect on what went wrong and adjust your approach.
  • B. Feel deeply disappointed and consider it a personal failure.

Scoring:

– For every A response, give yourself 1 point.

– For every B response, give yourself 2 points.

Results:

– 8-10 points: Minimal perfectionistic tendencies.

– 11-14 points: Moderate perfectionistic tendencies.

– 15-16 points: Strong perfectionistic tendencies.

(Remember, this quiz provides only a general indication, and everyone’s experience with perfectionism can be different.)

What is Perfectionism?

What is Perfectionism

Simply put Perfectionism is having really high standards for yourself (and others) and feeling like you have to be perfect in everything you do.

If you’re a perfectionist, you might always want things to be flawless and get really upset with yourself when they’re not. You’re constantly trying to be the best and fearing that any mistake means you’re not good enough.

Being a perfectionist can make you stressed, and anxious, and sometimes even stop you from trying new things because you’re afraid of not being perfect since you are trying to reach for an impossible standard of perfection in everything you do.

10 Common Signs of Perfectionism

10 Common Signs of Perfectionism

1. Setting Unrealistically High Standards

Perfectionists have a tendency to set standards that are exceptionally high and often unattainable. This creates a constant sense of pressure to achieve perfection in everything they do, leading to frustration and disappointment when these standards are not met.

2. Fear of Failure

Perfectionists harbor a deep-seated fear of making mistakes or failing to meet their own and others’ expectations. This fear can be paralyzing, causing anxiety and even avoidance of new challenges or opportunities to prevent the possibility of failure.

3. Procrastination

Due to the fear of not achieving perfection, perfectionists may procrastinate on tasks or projects. The fear of falling short of their high standards can lead to delays and a reluctance to start or complete projects, as the anticipation of imperfection becomes a barrier to action.

4. Self-Criticism

Perfectionists tend to be their harshest critics. They focus intensely on their flaws and shortcomings rather than acknowledging their achievements. This constant self-criticism can erode self-esteem and contribute to a negative self-image.

5. Difficulty Delegating

Perfectionists often struggle with entrusting tasks to others because they believe that no one else can meet their exceptionally high standards. This difficulty in delegation can lead to increased stress, burnout, and a sense of being overwhelmed by trying to handle everything independently.

6. Preoccupation with Mistakes

Perfectionists have a tendency to obsessively dwell on mistakes, even minor ones. They may replay these errors in their minds, analyzing and overthinking, which can hinder their ability to move forward and learn from the experience.

7. Low Self-Esteem

Despite external accomplishments, perfectionists often struggle with feelings of inadequacy. The constant pursuit of perfection leaves them feeling that their achievements are never good enough, contributing to a persistent sense of low self-worth.

8. Overemphasis on Approval

Perfectionists seek external validation and approval from others to validate their self-worth. They may feel a constant need for praise and recognition, and the absence of approval can be deeply unsettling for them.

9. Rigidity

Perfectionists can be rigid in their thinking and behaviors. They may resist change and find it challenging to adapt to unexpected situations or accept alternative approaches that deviate from their predetermined standards and expectations.

10. Difficulty in Enjoying the Present

The perfectionist’s focus on future goals and potential failures can make it challenging for them to fully enjoy and appreciate the present moment. The constant striving for perfection detracts from their ability to savor life’s experiences and find contentment in the here and now.

How to Overcome Perfectionism?

How to Overcome Perfectionism

For the sake of keeping this post concise, I’ll mention the basic steps to get you started on the journey to overcoming the perfectionist mindset. 

However, I would highly recommend that you read the full in-depth 10-Step Guide on how to get rid of perfectionism (which I have linked at the end of this article):

1. Self-Reflection and Awareness:

Begin by recognizing and acknowledging perfectionistic tendencies. Study your patterns of thinking. 

Reflect on how these tendencies impact your thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. Awareness is the first step towards positive change.

2. Challenge and Restructure Beliefs:

Identify and challenge the unrealistic standards and beliefs driving your perfectionism. Replace them with more realistic and compassionate thoughts.

Allow yourself to acknowledge that mistakes and imperfections are part of being human.

Shift your perspective towards a growth mindset, emphasizing learning and improvement over a quest for flawlessness.

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and view mistakes as valuable lessons that contribute to personal development.

3. Implementing Positive Affirmations:

Integrate positive affirmations into your daily routine to challenge negative self-talk and cultivate self-compassion. Use affirmations that promote self-acceptance, resilience, and a realistic view of success.

Check out the affirmations I’ve put together in THIS article which will help you get into a relaxed yet productive state of mind, and enable you to break the obsessive thoughts that come from a perfectionist mindset.

Make sure to read the Full Guide on Overcoming Perfectionism for in-depth insights, practical tips, and a comprehensive approach to reclaiming control over your life and embracing imperfections.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of each component, offering actionable steps and personalized strategies to help you overcome perfectionism and cultivate a healthier mindset.

Hope this helps. I would love to read your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.

See you in the next one!

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