Perfectionism: what is it? Signs and methods of disposal

What made humanity change for the better, evolve, achieve ambitious goals? Of course, the desire for perfection and perfection. However, this desire or, as it is called, perfectionism is not always useful for the human psyche. How to define the line beyond which the desire to make the world and oneself perfect becomes an obsessive pathological idea? Let's understand.

Perfectionism: what is it?

It's pretty easy to guess the origin of the word. It came from the English perfection (Russian perfection). Scientists believe that the phenomenon of perfectionism is associated with ancient times. It was then that people learned to cope with hunger and natural elements, create a comfortable space for life and turn to the spiritual, inner side of their personality. It is no coincidence that at that time many philosophical schools appeared. However, one must be able to distinguish the desire for an excellent result, dictated by natural motivation, from its pathological form, which is expressed in the denial of imperfection. Being a personal characteristic, perfectionism positively influences a person in terms of improving his social status, personal qualities, career growth, etc. The pathological form causes a neurotic state, a fixation on a fictitious ideal and a perfect result that can not be achieved. We think, now you will not be asking yourself the question: "Perfectionism - what is this?" But another appears: "How do you determine if you have it?"

Symptoms

Perfectionism, the meaning of which we have considered above, has several characteristic features:

- formation of unattainable or excessively high standards;

- doubt in their own knowledge, achievements, skills;

- rigid fixation on shortcomings and errors;

- increased susceptibility to criticism;

- a sense of guilt for non-essential or imaginary mistakes;

- the desire to in any way justify the expectations of others, despite the high complexity or impracticability of the task.

If you find at least one of the above features, then you have perfectionism. What is it and what are its signs, we learned. Now let's see if we can get rid of it if it becomes pathological.

Three rules for deliverance

If perfectionism, the definition of which is in philosophical dictionaries, became a neurosis, an obsession, one must immediately turn to a psychologist. It will help to increase stress resistance and eliminate pathology. But there are rules that can facilitate the fixation of the perfectionist on the result:

1. Do not take criticism

It is clear that if a person has exerted maximum efforts to achieve a result, then the criticism will be offensive to him. Do not take it too seriously. Remember: everyone evaluates the surrounding reality through the prism of life experience, and it is simply unrealistic to please everyone.

2. Objectively evaluate the result

This is necessary to reduce the stress factor. For example, if a round high achiever suddenly failed one exam, he is unlikely to be expelled from the institute for this. And certainly it will not be a disgrace. He just needs to retake the material, that's all.

3. Stay calm

At the moment when there is a race for the result, immediately stop, ignore the situation and make a couple of deep breaths-exhalations. Now continue to work.

So, we told you about such a phenomenon as perfectionism: what is it, what are its signs and rules for fighting it. Of course, the ideal is to strive, but as long as it does not harm your mental health.