How to Cope with Perfectionism When It Harms You and Your Relationships

Among the benefits are increased self-confidence and getting more enjoyment out of life.

You may be fearful of what would happen if you did not set such high standards. This is part of the all-or-none thinking in perfectionism. It is highly doubtful that your behavior would shift to the other extreme of being sloppy or lazy if you stopped being a perfectionist, although this is a common fear.

A self-compassionate person can allow themselves to make a mistake and learn from it, rather than self-criticize. If you do recall trauma in your early life, know that your perfectionism is likely one result of that trauma. Journal your negative self-talk and correct them with more compassionate and realistic statements.

A good-enough outcome gets the job done, which is often more important than getting it done perfectly.