The Three Types of Perfectionists (and How to Channel Your Perfectionism for Good)

Having high standards is fine, but only if you develop healthy coping mechanisms.

https://lifehacker.com/the-three-types-of-perfectionists-and-how-to-channel-y-1847712803

“The three types of perfectionists

According to the clinical psychologists Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett, who have spent decades studying perfectionism, there are three types of perfectionists, which can be differentiated according to their 45-item multidimensional perfectionism scale: socially prescribed perfectionists, other-oriented perfectionists, and self-oriented perfectionists.

Socially-prescribed perfectionists feel pressure to live up to the expectations of others, fearing they may be rejected otherwise. Other-oriented perfectionists expect perfection from others, which can lead to criticism and judgment. Self-oriented perfectionists set high standards and expectations for themselves.”

“According to Wilding, in order to channel your perfectionism productively, it’s important to shift to “healthy striving.” As she wrote, healthy striving is the “emerging middle ground between high performance and damaging overachievement.” This is a way to channel the high standards and expectations of being a perfectionist, without experiencing the negatives of burnout, self-doubt, or fear of failure.”