Perfectionism involves standards and expectations impossible to meet so perfectionists run the risk of having events not turn out, a Canadian researcher says.
Dr. Martin Antony of Ryerson University in Toronto suggests perfectionists evaluate whether they may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy -- by setting expectations too high, perfectionists run the risk of having events not turn out as desired and therefore develop the perception that they have "reason" to worry.
Antony suggests perfectionists learn to distinguish between high standards, which are healthy and perfectionism, which is not.
Perfectionists often experience intense anxiety, shame, anger or low mood when their standards or goals are not met, and perfectionism may affect people's functioning by causing them to spend too long on tasks, procrastinate or avoid tasks altogether, Antony says.
Antony, author of "When Perfect Isn't Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with Perfectionism," recommends perfectionists take a step back and shift their thinking to be more realistic and balanced.
For example, Antony says if you are convinced your home has to be spotless and perfectly neat and organized, ask yourself:
-- "What if a few things are not in their place?"
-- "Does it really matter as much as it feels like it matters?"
-- "Is it necessarily true that my guests will prefer a perfectly organized home, or will some people feel more comfortable if things are not so perfect?"
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