Introduction to Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a concept. While it is true that there is nouniversal agreement on the definition of perfection, many peoplestrive to attain perfection in everything they do. Like everythingelse, perfectionism has positive and negative sides. Perfectionistshave produced some of the best works in the world. This istrue in art, movies, sports, technology, etc. But there is a darkside to it. Perfectionists are obsessed with perfection.
Inability toreach the high standards set by themselves leads them to lowself-esteem, extreme unhappiness, anxiety and in extreme cases, depression. The root cause of many teenage suicides is theincapability to accept failures. Expecting perfection from theirpartner and kids jeopardizes the family life. Children ofperfectionist parents have a troubled childhood. Adaptiveperfectionism helps people to excel in their career or studies.
With appropriate help, maladaptive perfectionism can bemanaged and perfectionists will be able to lead a moremeaningful life.