Am I a perfectionist?

Most people who experience clinical perfectionism will be acutely aware of the perfectionist standards they hold for themselves, and will often value this about themselves. Clinical perfectionism however can be extremely detrimental, either to a persons achievements, or to their emotional wellbeing, relationships or physical health. It is not always as easy as it may seem to recognise the limitations of perfectionism and most people will be highly ambivalent about seeking support to overcome their perfectionism as they perceive that they will have to lower their standards, and therefore what they are able to achieve. Of course this is not the case and treatment is not about lowering achievement, but recognising what drives the perfectionism, and how it may in act get in the way of productivity and achievement.

How to recognise clinical perfectionism in yourself:

• Do you continually try your hardest to achieve high standards?

• Do you focus on what you have NOT achieved rather than what you have?

• Do other people tell you that your standards are too high?

• Are you very afraid of failing to meet your standards?

• If you achieved your goal, do you tend to set the standard higher next time?

• Do you base your self esteem on striving and achievement?

• Do you keep trying to meet your standards, even if this means that you miss out on things or if it is causing problems?

• Do you tend to avoid or procrastinate on tasks in case you fail or because of the time it would take?

• Do you find it very hard to deligate tasks or to allow others to do things for you

• Do you find yourself worrying for a long time that you have done something wrong or that others will spot your mistakes.

If you answered yes to many of these questions it is likely that you are struggling with clinical perfectionism and it might be important to consider whether the standards that you set for yourself are realistic or helpful.