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 determine 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 is easy to guess the origin of the giventhe words. 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;

- doubts in own knowledge, achievements, skills;

- rigid fixation on shortcomings and errors;

- increased susceptibility to criticism;

- Feeling 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 yourlisted above, then you have perfectionism. What it is and what its signs are, we learned. Now we'll figure it out, can we get rid of it if it becomes pathological.

Three rules for deliverance

In the case of perfectionism, the definition of whichis in philosophical dictionaries, has become 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 applied a maximumefforts to achieve a result, 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 would hardly be expelled from the institute for that. 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 keep working.

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