Researchers developed a 45-item questionnaire, known as the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, to identify three different types of perfectionists, which include:
Although perfectionists have varying behaviors--for instance some try to hide imperfections while others attempt to appear perfect--all perfectionists hold unrealistically high standards for themselves or others.
Perfectionists will also reveal themselves in three distinct ways, researchers said. In one way, the person will brag or display their perfection in order to impress others. Another way is for the person to shun situations that might cause them to appear imperfect, and the final way is to keep problems inside, not being able to admit failure.
Some forms of perfectionism also bring with them a number of emotional and physical problems, such as depression, eating disorders, relationship problems and even suicide. Extreme perfectionism, though not a recognized psychiatric disorder, has a similar impact on life as illnesses like narcissism, obsessive compulsiveness, and personality disorders.
In fact, as shown by a 1994 experiment on preschoolers, even 4- and 5-year-olds can show traits of perfectionism that are linked to signs of extreme distress, including increased anger and anxiety.
So how do you know if you’re a perfectionist? The researchers listed these signs to help you find out.
Top 10 Signs Your a Perfectionist
You can’t stop thinking about a mistake you made.
You are intensely competitive and can’t stand doing worse than others.
You either want to do something "just right" or not at all.
You demand perfection from other people.
You won’t ask for help if asking can be perceived as a flaw or weakness.
You will persist at a task long after other people have quit.
You are a fault-finder who must correct other people when they are wrong.
You are highly aware of other people’s demands and expectations.
You are very self-conscious about making mistakes in front of other people.
You noticed the error in the title of this list.
Science Daily June 14, 2004
One of the key traits of perfectionism is setting unrealistic standards for yourself. In order to overcome this, and simultaneously reduce your unnecessarily high stress levels, it’s imperative to address the negative emotions that are leading to this practice. Whether you feel that you must "prove" yourself to others by always being perfect, or you judge others for their less-than-perfect actions, energy psychology tools like EFT can help you get to the root of the emotion.
As it says in the article, perfectionism, when taken to an extreme, can have profound effects on your physical and mental health so it’s important to address this mindset.
Although I do believe that we all strive to "be perfect" to some degree, if you notice that a need to be perfect is causing problems in your relationships or making you avoid situations for fear of failure, you have likely moved into the group of perfectionists whose health is being negatively affected by the added stress.
As I mentioned above, EFT will help to rid you of any negative thoughts and associations, freeing you from the need to be always perfect.
Along with EFT I strongly encourage you to try out one of my new favorite techniques, the Insight CD System, which is a rapid type of brain wave entrainment that I, and many of our patients, are using. The Insight CD allows you to achieve many of the benefits of meditation in a fraction of the time, and whether you are seeking to temper your perfectionism or simply reduce stress in your life, this CD system will help you reach your goal.
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