It’s actually hurting you instead of helping you succeed & what you can do.

Perfectionism is the belief that if we do things perfectly we can avoid pain that comes from blame, judgment, and shame.

It’s about approval, not self-improvement, and it seems that there is never an end point or a sense of relief when we’re stuck in perfectionism.

Research shows that perfectionism, despite what we possibly feel hampers achievement, is correlated with depression, anxiety, addiction and missed opportunities (Brené Brown).

We learn the habit of perfectionism through messages we receive from school, family, friends, social media, and society.

It can prevent us from being present and actually enjoying the hard work we’ve done. At times when we are really stuck in it, perfectionism is the little voice that tells you not to try because you’ll never be good enough and people will criticize you or you’ll embarrass yourself.

If you’re struggling with perfectionism, feelings of anxiety, shame, and/or self -esteem it’s important to seek help if you’re noticing you no longer feel joy or satisfaction in things you once did, are continuously holding yourself up to unattainable standards, exclude yourself from friends and family, and feel overwhelming stress.

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About The Author

Joana Couto, LAC is a therapist at the Olive Branch Therapy Group. Joana works with children, teens, young adults and adults. Joana specialties include anxiety, life transitions, depression and trauma. If you are interested in working with Joana, contact us via email, phone or chat on our website.