What is Perfectionism?

Exceeding expectations becomes the norm, and anything short of flawless feels like falling short.
You constantly feel like you’re not doing enough, and any deviation from perfection leaves you feeling defeated and frustrated.
You worry that if you don’t excel or meet every expectation, others might reject you, overlook you, or distance themselves from you.
It feels crushing when you mistake, are given constructive criticism, or don’t achieve the high standards you set for yourself.

Where anxiety shows up

You constantly overthink your words and actions, fearing that any mistake will lead to judgment or disappointment from others, which creates anxiety in social interactions.
This fear of criticism or rejection often makes you hold back your true thoughts and feelings, leading you to stay quiet or avoid conversations to prevent appearing imperfect.
As a result, it becomes difficult to build deep, genuine relationships, as the focus on maintaining a perfect image creates emotional distance and hinders authentic connections.

Perfectionism at work makes you overanalyze every task, leading to procrastination and stress as you strive to meet unrealistic standards, often resulting in burnout and reduced productivity.
Fear of criticism or making mistakes can make you hesitant to take on new challenges or collaborate openly with colleagues, limiting your growth and creating tension within teams.
You may struggle to delegate tasks or accept feedback, believing that only you can meet the “right” standard, which can lead to micromanagement, strained relationships, and an overwhelming workload.

Perfectionism causes constant self-criticism and dissatisfaction, making it difficult to feel proud of your achievements or recognize your worth, often leading to low self-esteem and chronic stress.
The relentless drive to be flawless creates a cycle of anxiety and exhaustion, as you push yourself beyond healthy limits and rarely allow yourself to rest or recharge.
You may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome, believing you’re never "good enough" despite evidence to the contrary, which can lead to emotional burnout and a lack of fulfillment in your personal and professional life.

Build Self-Worth: Therapy can help you start feeling like you are enough by recognizing your inherent worth beyond achievements or flaws.
Establish Boundaries: Learn to set clear boundaries with others to prevent overperforming and avoid burnout, ensuring a healthier balance in your personal and professional life.
Boost Confidence: Develop a stronger sense of confidence in the unique value you bring, helping you to trust your abilities without needing constant validation.
Encourage Healthy Responsibility: Understand how to take responsibility for your own actions and needs while avoiding the tendency to take on others' tasks or burdens.
Separate Self-Worth from Performance: Learn to distinguish your self-worth from your performance, helping you to embrace imperfection and cultivate self-acceptance.