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Jul 11, 2010 Perfectionism and lifespan. Compared with the number of studies looking at perfectionism's impact on mental health, relatively few have.
“What’s your biggest weakness?” You’ve probably heard that it’s to respond to this common interview question by saying, “Well, I’m a bit of a perfectionist”.Being organized and self-disciplined—once considered —has become somewhat of an insult, even a warning sign to employers.But while it’s true that recent link maladaptive forms of perfectionism to higher rates of depression and anxiety, these studies show only the dark side of what happens when consciousness and control are. There’s another side to the story. As it turns out, research suggests that there are different types of perfectionism, some of which can actually support success and can propel your career.
The three types of perfectionismIt’s important to dispel black-and-white misconceptions surrounding perfectionism before they squelch the ambition needed for strong, visionary leadership. Already I’m hearing more frequently from accomplished leaders (particularly women who face ) that they are increasingly afraid to hold themselves and others to high standards because they fear being labeled a rigid Type-A perfectionist who is difficult to work with.Over-relying on any personality trait can go too far. Perfectionism is no different. Finding a happy middle ground is the best way to leverage the upsides of having high-standards, while mitigating the negative effects it can have on your mental health, well-being, and relationships. Putting your striving to positive use first requires understanding where you fall on the perfectionism spectrum, then applying it as a strength in healthier, more flexible ways.Canadian clinical psychologists Dr.
Paul Hewitt and Dr. Gordon Flett have been studying the shades of gray within perfectionism for. Their research reveals that, as with most traits, there’s a spectrum.
Here are the three types of perfectionism explained by their:Socially Prescribed: Socially prescribed perfectionists are very self-critical. They feel immense pressure to be the best and worry others will reject them. Perceived external standards (which can come from, workplace culture, society, etc.) can lead to anxiety and low confidence.Other-Oriented: Perfectionists who are other-oriented—as in, they hold others to high standards and can be critical and judgmental—can leave destruction in their wake. It’s hard to build under these conditions, which is one reason this variety is so detrimental.Self-Oriented: Self-oriented perfectionists are organized and conscientious.
They set high standards for themselves in their lives and careers, but are able to go after their goals. High self-oriented perfectionism is generally associated with the most “adaptive” traits correlated with, including resourcefulness and assertiveness. They show higher rates of positive emotion, motivation. The shift toward healthy strivingMany people who are perfectionists are fully aware of their tendencies, which is an important first step in evaluating where they fall on the spectrum. Some people may find that they are strictly one subtype, while others may discover that they have a little bit of each type in them.Regardless of subtype, most perfectionists have a moment when they realize that expecting the world from themselves (or others) is no longer working for them.
Maybe they are feeling so burned out at work that they leave the office every day wanting to quit, or the idea presenting a new idea during a meeting sends them spiraling into anxiety.Enter a new approach: healthy striving, the emerging middle ground between high performance and damaging overachievement.
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
per·fec·tion·ism
(pər-fĕk′shə-nĭz′əm)n.1. A propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards.
2. A belief in certain religions that moral or spiritual perfection can be achieved before the soul has passed into the afterlife.
per·fec′tion·is′tic adj.
perfectionism
(pəˈfɛkʃəˌnɪzəm) n1. (Philosophy) philosophy the doctrine that man can attain perfection in this life
2. the demand for the highest standard of excellence
per•fec•tion•ism
(pərˈfɛk ʃəˌnɪz əm)n.
1. any of various doctrines holding that religious, moral, social, or political perfection is attainable.
2. a personal standard, attitude, or philosophy that demands perfection and rejects anything less.
per•fec′tion•ist,n., adj.
perfectionism
1. the religious or philosophical aspiration to be perfect in moral character.
2. a personality trait manifested by the rejection of personal achievements falling short of perfection, often leading to distress and self-condemnation. — perfectionist,n. — perfectionistic,adj.
See also: Attitudes2. a personality trait manifested by the rejection of personal achievements falling short of perfection, often leading to distress and self-condemnation. — perfectionist,n. — perfectionistic,adj.
Noun | 1. | perfectionism - a disposition to feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable; 'his perfectionism seemed excessive to his students' disposition, temperament - your usual mood; 'he has a happy disposition' |
perfekcionizam
perfeccionismo
perfectionism
[pərˈfɛkʃənɪzəm]n → perfectionnismemperfectionism
perfectionism
[pəˈfɛkʃəˌnɪzm]n → perfezionismoper·fec·tion·ism
n. perfeccionismo, tendencia al fervor exagerado en la ejecución de actividades sin distinción de importancia entre las mismas.
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