Why Do I Have An Irrational Desire To Always Be Perfect?

Do you feel like you fail at everything you try?

Are you very controlling in your (personal and professional) relationships?

Do you have a hard time to relax and to share your thoughts and feelings?

Are you obsessed with lists and work, or alternately, become extremely apathetic?

Do you procrastinate regularly? You may avoid starting a task because you’re afraid that you’ll not be able to complete it perfectly.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a clinical problem with being a perfectionist. It’s normal and a good thing if you have a strong wish to achieve and succeed. However, some people have an irrational desire to always be perfect. These people may be suffering from perfectionism. Perfectionism may cause problems in various areas of someone’s life. The person may have relationship issues and troubles at school or work. People with perfectionism hold themselves to impossibly high standards. They feel like whatever they do, it’s never good enough. Perfectionism can even lead to depression, eating disorders, and anxiety.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one or two signs of perfectionism. It may be important to discuss this with your doctor. People who suffer from perfectionism feel like whatever they do, it’s never good enough. It can make sufferers unhappy, and they may even develop additional mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. If the wish to be perfect is having a negative impact on your daily life, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have perfectionism. As part of your perfectionism, you may want to hide your personal problems, which makes it harder to treat. However, keep in mind that it is essential to seek help when you need it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may help you to learn new ways of thinking about your achievements. It may also be important to work on setting realistic goals for yourself. Besides, you may try to tell yourself that making mistakes is normal, and that it presents learning opportunities. Don’t hesitate to seek help to improve your quality of life.