Is Perfectiomism Healthy or Hurtful? The Answer Might Surprise You…

If you’re a perfectionist, you know the feeling all too well. Everything needs to be perfect, up to not only your standards but others as well. When you strive to do the absolute best, at all times, it can have conflicting responses. Some people may tell you that you shouldn’t take everything so seriously. While others will commend you for always wanting the absolute best — from everything and everyone.

Due to the conflicting responses and inner turmoil you may feel, you may get the impression that being a perfectionist is hurtful. Certainly, in some ways it can be, as it can put added pressure on you, raising your stress and anxiety levels. However, it may be surprising to hear that perfectionism can actually be healthy for you, and here’s why.

Strive High, But With Achievable Standards

Perfectionism can be healthy when you have high standards but also understand reality. With perfectionism, it is important to always strive to be the best but understand that you may not reach your exact goal.

When you understand and are realistic about what you can and can’t do, it will benefit you in several ways. You will find that by aiming for goals you know you can reach, you will not risk a hit on your self-esteem levels. You’ll feel more satisfied by attaining achievable goals and won’t take a hit in your confidence levels.

Reaching for the stars is fine and commendable, it shows you have great drive and determination. Staying realistic about what you can achieve, in the time frame you have, can help your overall mental health. Your anxiety, for instance, will be more manageable because you won’t be stressing out about so much what you can’t control. Control over situations is a big aspect of perfectionism and you can drive yourself crazy with it. Understanding that you can’t control everything will help you healthily keep your perfectionism in check.

It Helps You Grow As A Person

When you are a perfectionist, you are always striving for the absolute best. And with this mindset, that is an absolutely great thing! Perfectionism can be really healthy for as you are always striving to do and be better. You push yourself only because you want to prove to yourself and your others that you can do something. That you can accomplish your goals. And while this may put added stress on you, it helps you improve.

Instead of staying in a stagnant position, never changing, you are never satisfied with not learning. With not growing as a person. Whether that is to better as a person in general, a better spouse, partner, or co-worker, you aren’t happy unless you are growing.

You Know What Your Priorities Are

As a perfectionist, you tend to see the end picture. You see where you want to go and how to achieve it. This is another healthy sign of perfectionism, knowing exactly what your priorities are. You set goals for yourself and you don’t let anything stop you from achieving them. Some people are easily distracted and end up steering away from their ultimate goals. Not you! You keep yourself on track and always aim to achieve what you set out to do. From this, you are more likely to be happier in life by achieving your goals more often.

You Know Your Own Strengths

When you are consistently working towards your own goals, you likely have a higher confidence level than most. With that said, you are more likely to understand the strengths that you have and what you value. When you have both of those traits, you will know how to use the strengths and skills you have to better the world around you. Whether that is through work, your personal life, or your relationships, you will be constantly improving the outside world in some way. Also, seeing your determination and drive can actually inspire others to work on themselves and be better too!

As a perfectionist, you put a lot of pressure on yourself. While being a perfectionist is healthy in a lot of ways, it can have some unwanted consequences. If you are struggling with anxiety as a result of your perfectionism, reach out to my office today to learn how you can control your perfectionism so it doesn’t control you.