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Showing posts with the label maladaptive perfectionism

Perfectionism: Healthy vs. Maladaptive – Understanding the Two Sides

          Perfectionism is one of the most misunderstood traits in psychology and personal development. For decades, people have associated perfectionism with excellence, hard work, and ambition. But beneath the surface, perfectionism can also create stress, anxiety, and a constant fear of failure. The truth is, perfectionism is not inherently good or bad —it depends on how it is expressed and managed. Psychologists divide it into two main types: Healthy Perfectionism and Maladaptive Perfectionism . Understanding this difference can change how we pursue goals, manage failures, and view ourselves. What is Perfectionism? Perfectionism can be defined as the tendency to set extremely high standards for oneself, accompanied by critical self-evaluation and concern over mistakes. Unlike simple ambition, perfectionism is tied deeply to self-worth. People who identify as perfectionists often measure their value based on achievements, results, and recognition. ...