Perfectionism doesn’t have to be a negative attitude. Under certain conditions, however, it can become a problem. Find out here what exactly this trait is all about and how you can deal with unhealthy perfectionism at 22Bet login.
What is perfectionism?
Table of Contents
Perfectionism is a term used in psychology, and there is still no standardised definition. It can generally be described as the pursuit of perfection and excellence. Perfectionism is often associated with an ‘exaggerated’ attitude, which is why we often see it as something negative.
However, healthy perfectionism is by no means a negative quality. People who strive for perfection can help society to develop and change. For example, they can uncover shortcomings and improve them. We also want professional groups such as doctors, pilots and teachers to perform their work as perfectly as possible. After all, their jobs give them a great deal of responsibility.
However, there are also forms of pathological perfectionism. These can contribute to a person suffering from mental illnesses such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety and panic. These forms of perfectionism can also encourage compulsive behaviour. But how can we tell the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ perfectionism?
Normal and neurotic perfectionism
Various scientists have looked at the question of how the two forms of perfectionism should be categorised. Don Hamachek distinguishes between normal and neurotic perfectionism. In both forms, people place high demands on themselves and are prepared to go to great lengths to achieve their goals.
‘Normal’ perfectionists experience a feeling of happiness, pride and satisfaction when they achieve their goals. They feel empowered by this moment of success and therefore emerge from these situations with their self-esteem boosted. They focus primarily on the positive aspects of their work. They can accept small mishaps more easily – they can even serve as motivation.
People who suffer from neurotic perfectionism do not feel satisfied once they have achieved their goals. This is because they can never live up to their own standards: They are convinced they could always have achieved something more. Their focus is primarily on aspects that have failed – no matter how small and insignificant they may seem to outsiders. As a result, neurotic perfectionists often suffer from a certain restlessness and restlessness. They also have very low self-esteem: they are overly aware of their personal weaknesses and often feel guilty or ashamed about them.
Positive and negative perfectionism
Negative perfectionists feel constantly stressed, exhausted and helpless.
Peter Slade and Glynn Owens also categorise perfectionism into two forms: positive and negative perfectionism. They agree with Hamachek in many aspects. However, they add one important point: according to their categorisation, positive perfectionists primarily strive for positive consequences (e.g. feelings of happiness) of their actions.
Negative perfectionists primarily want to avoid negative consequences. They feel an exaggerated fear of failure. This fear motivates them to do their best – but it also puts them under constant pressure to perform. Positive perfectionists, on the other hand, are much more relaxed about these mistake. And can ideally even use them to learn from them or to motivate themselves even more for their projects.
When does perfectionism become problematic?
Negative perfectionists put themselves under so much pressure that they find it difficult to develop further.
Both categorisations lead to the following conclusion. Striving for high goals and standards is first and foremost a positive characteristic. It enables us to rise above ourselves, contribute to social change and feel happiness, joy and pride as a result.
For example, let’s say you want to live sustainably in as many areas of your life as possible. You gradually start using a bamboo toothbrush and solid shampoo, try to shop as plastic-free as possible and eat less animal-based food. With positive or normal perfectionism, you notice all these small changes with a certain sense of pride and happiness. If you do resort to a to-go coffee cup, you accept this decision and try to be better prepared next time.
